Taoiseach confident presidential review will be finished next week
James Cox
The Taoiseach has said he is confident the Fianna Fáil presidential campaign review will be completed next week.
The internal investigation is considering the steps taken during the identification and selection process of the party’s candidate, including the basis on which Jim Gavin was selected.
It will also focus on the campaign and Mr Gavin’s withdrawal from the race.
Speaking in Brazil, Micheál Martin said the review is on schedule.
"Yeah, that's on track as far as I can see. But I mean, we're going to deal with this, and be quite calm about it... no big deal.
"I find it quite extraordinary that we're into this minutiae right now. I'm focused on COP, all the arrangements have been made and that's a matter for us in the party."
Despite Mr Martin's supposed confidence, sources have indicated there is a lot of anger at his actions in pushing Mr Gavin's candidacy over MEP Billy Kelleher.
Wexford TD Malcolm Byrne has openly questioned the direction of the paty, without directly criticising Mr Martin.
Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan has long been linked with the Fianna Fáil leadership with questions over whether Mr Martin will lead the party into the next general election.
