Micheál Martin could be on the lookout for a job in sports when he finishes in politics, but the Taoiseach has insisted he isn’t going anywhere until at least 2025.
It would be a return to a love he has outside politics, which he revealed in an interview with us was nurtured when, as an 18 or 19-year-old, he and his twin brother took his local Nemo Rangers Under 13s GAA team all the way through the age groups up to minors.
Speculation has been rife in recent weeks, both within Fianna Fáil and outside the party, that Mr Martin’s time as party leader is coming to an end.
It followed a disastrous Dublin Bay South bye-election result that saw Fianna Fáil record its worst ever showing at the polls, with just 4.6% of the electorate voting for them.
It prompted some of Mr Martin’s strongest critics to call for Mr Martin to step down, while more measured voices suggested he could stand aside as party leader in December 2022, but continue on as Tánaiste from that date.
However, Mr Martin has ruled out both of these scenarios.
He said: “This Government is going to go the full term (June 2025).
“And I think the Government needs space to get its work done.
“I think we’ve had an incredible year already.
“First of all, trying to get through a global pandemic, and in doing so relatively well in comparison with our European counterparts.
“Big progress on climate change, very fundamental legislation, likewise on housing, in terms of affordable housing and social housing, in terms of health…… I’m a politician that’s about the substance, I’m not really interested in the trappings.”
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