Cabinet ministers pledge support for Taoiseach

The Taoiseach has secured the backing of three Cabinet ministers, who had been mentioned as potential successors to him as Fianna Fáil leader.

Dara Calleary, Jim O'Callaghan and Darragh O'Brien have pledged their support for Micheál Martin, who had been facing pressure from within his own party after the Government's handling of the response to the fuel protests.

There were suggestions of unrest after a statement on Wednesday from the party's three youngest TDs, in which they said senior colleagues expect them to just explain the Government's difficulties amid their concern at the events of recent weeks.

James O'Connor, Ryan O'Meara and Albert Dolan said it is not the role they want and would not accept it any longer.

Instead, they urged party colleagues to listen more closely, speak more honestly and to act more decisively.

The statement was backed by senior TDs such as Willie O'Dea and former ceann comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl.

However, the Minister for Social Protection has now thrown his support behind the Fianna Fáil leader.

"I have confidence in the Taoiseach, I have confidence in the Government and I have confidence in the Irish people," Dara Calleary said in a statement.

"What we need now, in the face of extraordinary global uncertainty, is stability and a continued focus on the challenges facing people across the country," he added.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O'Callaghan said he "backs the Taoiseach and would not support a motion of no confidence in him".

It comes after the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment pledged his support for Mr Martin last night.

"He's the most popular leader in the country and has displayed incredible leadership qualities," Darragh O'Brien told Prime Time.

"It's a difficult time in Ireland and across the world, and that's when strong leadership is needed."

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O'Brien said that he has "100% confidence" in Micheál Martin as leader of Fianna Fail.

"He's the most popular leader in the country and has displayed incredible leadership qualities," he said on RTÉ's Prime Time last night.

"It's a difficult time in Ireland and across the world, and that's when strong leadership is needed."

Asked whether he was putting his own name forward to be the next leader, the minister said "not at all".

Meanwhile, Minister for Public Expenditure and Fianna Fáil deputy leader Jack Chambers said yesterday that there is still "widespread support for Micheál Martin as leader and as Taoiseach of our country".