Wexford TD believes a confidence motion in the Taoiseach is possible in the next few weeks

Wexford TD Malcolm Byrne believes a confidence motion in the Taoiseach is possible in the next few weeks. Micheal Martin is under growing pressure to step down as leader of Fianna Fail following the Jim Gavin debacle. A review of the party's handling of the presidential election campaign is taking place. It's believed ten of the required 12 signatures for a no confidence motion in Mr Martin have now been secured. Fianna Fail TD Malcolm Byrne says Micheal Martin can win back support, but thinks an internal party confidence motion could happen. Meanwhile - the latest  Everhaze “Battle of the Airwaves”  report has found that Fianna Fáil’s leadership turmoil was the most defining and negatively framed story of the 2025 Presidential election, eclipsing all other topics across more than 16,000 radio mentions. The fallout, which was intertwined with Jim Gavin’s withdrawal generated over 2,000 mentions resulting in a sustained national discussion and an average negative weighted sentiment of –43.8 pp, the lowest of the election. Connolly ultimately led the airwaves in the final fortnight (44.1% share of voice, +2.3 pp net sentiment) with coverage driven by governance reform and community advocacy themes. Humphreys followed at 37.3% (–2.6 pp), her tone weighed down by ongoing justice and departmental accountability discussions. Gavin’s residual post-withdrawal commentary held 18.6% (–3.6 pp) and remained strongly associated with leadership fallout. Local radio again proved decisive, accounting for 72% of all mentions, while national talk shows supplied narrative framing and tone moderation. Overall sentiment across the campaign closed slightly negative (–0.8 pp net), underscoring a cycle defined more by leadership disruption and controversy than by policy promotion.