Leitrim Cathaoirleach gives his views on Taoiseach Micheál Martin

The Cathaoirleach of Leitrim County Council, Cllr Paddy Farrell, has given his views on a report which stated that sources have indicated there is "still huge unrest" within the Fianna Fáil party.

Fianna Fáil's presidential campaign was published last week, with Taoiseach Micheál Martin described as "defensive" at the parliamentary party meeting in which it was discussed.

The review found that the party had been asked about possible issues with a former tenant on several occasions before Mr Gavin was officially selected as the Fianna Fáil candidate on September 9th.

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Speaking to the Leitrim Observer, Cllr Farrell said that he believes that Mr Martin is likely to "stay for another year". 

He continued: "A lot of the councillors in Leitrim wouldn't fond of him."

When asked who he believed would be a suitable replacement, Cllr Farrell said: "There is no one really that stands out; maybe Barry Cowen or someone like that."

He also named Minister for Justice, Jim O'Callaghan, Billy Kelleher, MEP, and Minister of Transport Darragh O'Brien as possible successors. "We don't seem to be that flush with leaders, no more than other parties."

He added that he felt that Mr Martin was "a good, genuine man at the back of it all but it has done Fianna Fáil a lot of damage in the West of Ireland and many things happened over the last 30 years; it hasn't helped."