The odds on Jim O’Callaghan replacing Micheal Martin as Fianna Fail leader have dramatically narrowed, a leading bookmaker has revealed.
Deputy O’Callaghan is being backed to replace Mr Martin after he questioned Mr Martin’s total refusal to enter coalition talks with Sinn Fein.
As disquiet grows within the party the odds on Jim O’Callaghan becoming the new leader closed to 7/4 from 7/2, BoyleSports has disclosed.
In recent days Dublin Bay South TD suggested his party was “maybe too definitive” in ruling out a Sinn Féin coalition during the election campaign.
His comments come as Micheál Martin faces ongoing criticism for his resistance to the idea.
There is also a considerable number of Fianna Fail TDs who are reluctant to form a coalition with Fine Gael.
With one Fianna Fáil TD reported to have said that Martin’s days as leader “are numbered” BoyleSports have made Jim O’Callaghan the favourite to succeed him.
Deputy Leader Dara Calleary, who is part of the negotiating team currently talking to Fine Gael about a possible coalition, is the 3/1 second favourite should the current impasse trigger a leadership election.
BoyleSports spokesman Lawrence Lyons said: “O’Callaghan has often been touted as future party leader and his speaking out against leadership policy this week hasn’t gone unnoticed.
“We’ve had to trim his odds on being the new leader after a notable increase in speculation over Martin’s leadership of Fianna Fáil.”
