Mayo Fianna Fáil senator calls for resignation of party leader

A MAYO Fianna Fáil senator has written to the party’s councillors calling for Deputy Micheál Martin to resign as party leader.

Erris-based Senator Dr. Keith Swanick, who is not contesting the forthcoming An Seanad elections, told party colleagues that Fianna Fáil needs “fundamental, root and branch change” and can no longer be dictated by a “monocratic agenda”.

Dr. Swanick’s action is the first by a member of the parliamentary party calling for Deputy Martin to resign.

In his statement which is reported in The Journal.ie, he said that the public don’t see Fianna Fáil “in its current guise” as representing the change called for in the election.

“Our loss of core identity and values is reflected in the polls,” Dr. Swanick said. “Not only have we lost our appeal to younger people, now lifelong supporters have had enough.”

Dr. Swanick accused Deputy Martin of having an “inner circle” with ordinary Oireachtas members feeling disconnected from.

He said: “The concerns and ideas of many Oireachtas Members often fall on deaf ears.

"There should be no place in modern-day political discourse that facilitates a monocratic agenda."

He then called for Deputy Martin to step down.

“It is time that Micheál Martin makes the honourable decision to stand down as leader of Fianna Fáil and allow a new phase of renewal and reform to commence,” Swanick said.

He added that the electorate will reward Fianna Fáil if they’re “brave enough” to make the tough decisions and “again offer a real alternative vision for the people of Ireland.”

Fianna Fáil is due to resume talks with other parties this week, including Fine Gael, about the possibility of forming a new government.