Micheál Martin has ruled out an early election and said the new Taoiseach should serve out the remainder of the Government’s term in office.
Speaking in the wake of Leo Varadkar’s resignation, the Tánaiste said he had been informed yesterday, along with Green Party leader Eamon Ryan.
Minister Martin said he had been “very surprised” and did not expect it “at all”.
“I want to take the opportunity to thank him sincerely,” he said.
“We got on very well - we had a strong personal relationship [as] the three leaders - which I think was important in terms of continuity and stability of the Government.”
“My reasons for stepping down now are personal and political – but mainly political.”
Leo Varadkar announces resignation in emotional speech outside Leinster House.
https://t.co/rMJkwUsYjm— NewstalkFM (@NewstalkFM) March 20, 2024
On the question of whether there should be an early election once a new Taoiseach is appointed, Minister Martin said the Government retains the confidence of Dáil Éireann and a change of Taoiseach mid-term “has happened before”.
He added that Fianna Fáil remains “committed” to the coalition until the next General Election.
“There are still very serious issues to be dealt with,” he said.
“Housing, education, health, climate, energy and today.
“Today, for example, the Future Fund legislation went through Cabinet, along with the infrastructure and climate legislation.
“So, from my perspective, from my party’s perspective, we are going to fulfil our mandate.
“We will work with the newly-elected leader of the Fine Gael party in terms of continuing the coalition.”
Next Taoiseach
On the question of who Fine Gael should choose as its next leader, Minister Martin declined to comment.
“It’s not for any Fianna Fáil leader to comment on who the next leader of Fine Gael should be,” he said.
“It’s a matter for Fine Gael.”
A General Election is expected in the autumn of this year or early 2025.
Main image: Leo Varadkar, Micheál Martin and Eamon Ryan. Photo: Sam Boal/RollingNews.ie
