Varadkar resignation: 'Strong argument' that Micheál Martin 'should take over as Taoiseach'
Micheál Tánaiste Photos Martin File Collins Gareth Varadkar Taoiseach With Leo Picture: Chaney/
Fianna Fáil members have called on Tánaiste Micheál Martin to say that he should reassume the role of Taoiseach following Leo Varadkar’s shock resignation.
It is understood that some members of the party have already raised this with Mr Martin, following the news that Mr Varadkar would stand aside as Fine Gael leader and Taoiseach.
"There is a strong argument that Micheál should take over as Taoiseach," one senior Fianna Fáil member said.
The source, who claimed that this is the view of “multiple” Fianna Fáil TDs, added that the public would be reassured by having a leader who is already "familiar" to them and has a "track record" in the Taoiseach's office.
A new Fine Gael leader would be “untested” and therefore would not put across a sense of stability within the coalition, they added.
Earlier, the Tánaiste appeared to reject this view, saying he “looked forward to working with the new leader on fulfilling the programme for government and delivering for the people of Ireland”.
He added: “The Government is based on issues and policy, not personalities. We have an important job to steer the economy, to improve public services, and to build more homes for people.
“From my perspective, and from Fianna Fáil’s perspective, we are going to fulfil our mandate. There is a lot of work to be done and that is our focus at this time.”
Mr Martin was Taoiseach between 2020 and 2022 before handing over to Mr Varadkar under the coalition’s programme for government.
Meanwhile, one Irish bookmaker has installed Simon Harris as the 1/5 favourite to take over as the next Fine Gael leader.
Paddy Power had Simon Coveney and Paschal Donohoe as joint-second favourites at 7/1, followed by Helen McEntee at 8/1.