Taoiseach 'should have nothing to fear', says Fianna Fáil MEP

Vivienne Clarke

Fianna Fáil MEP Barry Andrews has said that Taoiseach and party leader Micheál Martin “should have nothing to fear” about the controversy over the nomination of Jim Gavin in the presidential election.

However, when asked on RTÉ radio’s Today with David McCullagh show if he had confidence in Mr Martin, Mr Andrews replied: “I have confidence in his leadership, but confidence just isn't permanent and it's earned fresh every time we have problems, we have controversies.

“This is a major controversy for the party, I wouldn't pass sentence until I've heard the evidence. The Taoiseach presented his position at the previous parliamentary party meeting, he said he was sorry, he apologised for the way the campaign was run, and I think he should have nothing to fear if there's open, honest conclusions here and proper accountability and transparency around how all of this was done.

“I don't think he has anything to fear. However, this will be a matter for the parliamentary party and it should be noted that of course MEPs don't have a say in confidence motions, only in new leadership elections.”

Mr Andrews said he was happy that the report into the controversy was being sent to party members today and that the matter would be discussed by the party this evening.

“I'm happy that we're getting the report. We need a couple of hours, at least, to digest it, to understand if it's 33 pages, that's fine. I'm glad that we are getting it done before Christmas, frankly. I don't want to be dragging this into the new year. We've such a busy agenda domestically, European, global issues, they're just huge.

“I really hope that we will have an open, honest debate about the implications of the findings of the report”

Mr Andrews said that the “leaks of selective bits of information” along with some commentary “about the accuracy of speculation” had not been helpful.