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Trouble ahead? Why Connolly's victory ramps up the pressure on both Martin and Harris

We need your help now Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open. You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough. If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it. One-off amount I already contribute Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you. An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more. Investigates Investigates Money Diaries The Journal TV Climate Crisis Cost of Living Road Safety Newsletters Temperature Check Inside the Newsroom The Journal Investigates Daft.ie Property Allianz Home The 42 Sport TG4 Entertainment The Explainer A deep dive into one big news story Sport meets news, current affairs, society & pop culture have your say Or create a free account to join the discussion Advertisement More Stories The Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael leaders on stage at Dublin Castle with Connolly yesterday evening.Alamy Stock Photo Under Pressure Trouble ahead? Why Connolly's victory ramps up the pressure on both Martin and Harris The landslide win for Ireland’s new president Catherine Connolly is a warning shot for Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. 6.01pm, 26 Oct 2025 Share options HOW ARE MICHEÁL Martin and Simon Harris feeling today? Nervous, probably. The landslide win for Ireland’s new president Catherine Connolly is a warning shot for Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. Connolly received a massive mandate from the public, commanding 63% of the vote, something the two leaders cannot ignore. Both parties fought terrible campaigns and that cannot be without consequence for the pair. Fianna Fáil notably had the worst presidential election of the two, with Jim Gavin’s campaign imploding before it really got off the ground. The decision to run Gavin in the first place and the whole process around it is now subject to an internal party review which is due to conclude in mid-November. Once Gavin left the stage, it undoubtedly gave Martin some breathing time to strategise how he is going to handle the fallout. The number of unhappy Fianna Fáilers is mounting, with some now talking about a change at the top. Carlow-Kilkenny TD John McGuinness is one of them and while he has long been a critic of the Fianna Fáil leadership, much of what he had to say on RTÉ’s This Week programme today is resonating with others in the party now. Fianna Fail needs a new leader “in the not too distant future”, he told the radio show today. McGuinness said the party’s campaign “turned into a shambles” and has resulted in the party standing at 17% in the polls, the same percentage it had in the disastrous year of 2011. Carlow-Kilkenny TD John McGuinnessOireachtas Press Office Oireachtas Press Office Calling it “a shocking embarrassment” for members of the party, McGuinness said the election has underlined the need for the party to “reinvent itself” for the future. Advertisement Leadership past its sell-by-date? He said Fianna Fáil’s policies are past their sell-by-date and the party has stopped responding to the needs of those it claims to represent. The party should also not be afraid to challenge Europe and the policies that are impacting on our national policy, he said, stating that Catherine Connolly stood on that platform. “I voted for Connolly and I believe she will be a good president,” said McGuinness. Asked if Fianna Fáil needs a new leader, McGuinness replied: “In due course, yes.” It has been suggested that such a change might come about after Ireland’s EU presidency in December next year, but McGuinness said he doesn’t think the party can wait until then. He called for an open discussion “within next ten days” on what needs to happen in the future. The type of leadership that brought the party back to 17% in the polls needs to be discussed, he said, stating that there needs to be a conversationo about future leadership that will return the party to greater success. “Not to do that would be sticking our heads in the sand,” he argued. This view is widely held in parliamentary party, said McGuinness, although he acknowledged that there are differing views on how to approach it. McGuinness’ view is also held by MEP Billy Kelleher who called it a disastrous election for the party. Kelleher had put himself forward as a potential candidate for the Áras at the end of the summer but was defeated in an internal vote by the Martin-backed Gavin. Billy Kelleher MEP very strong here in a chat with me in Cork. Called election “disastrous” for Fianna Fáil. @thejournal_ie pic.twitter.com/Pt9dNnmXwT— Niall O’Connor (@NiallJournal_ie) October 25, 2025 Fianna Fáil TD John Lahart told RTÉ News this evening that he agrees with McGuinness that there must be a discussion about the leadership. “It is a conversation that the party needs to have. The events of the last few weeks, the result yesterday, and the outcome of the result have brought that conversation forward,” Lahart said. McGuinness and Lahart have previously raised questions around Martin’s leadership. Three years ago, both politicians spoke out publicly about Martin, his leadership and the direction of the party while the party leader was in Japan. At the time, Martin dubbed mutterings of a heave against him as speculation. A number of Fianna Fáil politicians are understood to be having such conversations. Over the weekend, there was chatter that around 12 Fianna Fáil TDs might push for a no confidence motion in Martin at some point. Related Reads Inside the Humphreys campaign: 'We had a fair idea a week ago we were going to lose' What part of the country gave the most votes to Jim Gavin? The Fine Gael presidential curse: how the party have performed in every race for the Áras However a Fianna Fáil minister dismissed the suggestion, telling The Journal this weekend that it was the “usual suspects” and asserting that they don’t have the numbers to challenge the party leader. Fianna Fáil sources tell The Journal this evening that there might be more to the rumblings than there was three years ago, but for any momentum to pick up a challenger to Martin’s leadership would want to speak up soon. Ireland’s EU presidency next year Martin’s leadership will come in for sharp focus in the weeks before Christmas, but as mentioned, many within the party don’t believe a change of leadership should take place ahead of or during Ireland holding the EU presidency next year. While Martin is steadfast in his assertions that he will lead the party into the next general election and that he’s going nowhere, the conversation around his leadership is growing louder. The next few weeks and months could prove crucial for him. But what about Harris? While the election might not have been as disastrous for Fine Gael as it was for Fianna Fáil, there is still likely to be fallout. MEP Seán Kelly told The Journal that there are a lot of people within the party unhappy with how it selected its candidate, stating that it was “big, big mistake” not to hold a vote in the party and for hustings not to be held. Kelly had been hoping to run himself but called off his campaign after it became clear to him that he would not receive the necessary 20 votes from the parliamentary party to trigger an internal contest. Harris defended his approach to the process this weekend – stating at Dublin Castle that he never publicly endorsed one candidate over another, only backing Humphreys 100% when she won the nomination. Some in the party say Harris rushed into picking a candidate when Mairead McGuinness withdrew from the nomination in August due to illness. The party has come close several times to winning the presidency, but has never managed to get a candidate over the line. Harris was hoping this election might change that and might even give a boost to his party, one that might counter the narrative that Fine Gael is pretty dismal at running effective political campaigns. Unfortunately, it only reinforced that narrative. So, whose leadership is more at risk? Martin’s will come under the most pressure in the coming days. Harris isn’t home-free though. Lots of questions remain, and party members will be seeking answers. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Support The Journal Christina Finn Send Tip or Correction Embed this post To embed this post, copy the code below on your site Email “Trouble ahead? Why Connolly's victory ramps up the pressure on both Martin and Harris”. Recipient's Email Feedback on “Trouble ahead? Why Connolly's victory ramps up the pressure on both Martin and Harris”. Your Feedback Your Email (optional) Report a Comment Please select the reason for reporting this comment. Please give full details of the problem with the comment... Catherine Connolly Micheál Martin Presidential Election Simon Harris there may be trouble ahead Under Pressure News in 60 seconds limping across the line Defeat in Derry means Shamrock Rovers' wait to clinch league title goes on 54 mins ago Louis Theroux has British Airways sponsorship paused after interview with Bob Vylan frontman election long read Inside the Humphreys campaign: 'We had a fair idea a week ago we were going to lose' Christina Finn advantage arsenal Arsenal edge win against Crystal Palace as Man City lose to Aston Villa in Premier League Maria Steen says there's a big gap on Irish political right - but is unsure if she'll run again Marathon Girl Months after running her first ever marathon, this teenager claimed the Irish title in Dublin Manhunt stood down in UK after sex offender who was mistakenly released caught by police As it happened Catherine Connolly will be the 10th President of Ireland How did your constituency vote? Here are the full results of the presidential election INVALID VOTES Here’s how many people in your constituency spoiled their vote new woman in the áras Connolly pledges to 'shape a new republic' as she's elected president with largest vote ever more from us Investigates Money Diaries The Journal TV Journal Media Advertise With Us About FactCheck Our Network FactCheck Knowledge Bank Terms & Legal Notices Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition more from us TV Listings GAA Fixtures The Video Review Journal Media Advertise With Us Our Network The Journal FactCheck Knowledge Bank Terms & Legal Notices Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition © 2025 Journal Media Ltd Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition Switch to Desktop Switch to Mobile The Journal supports the work of the Press Council of Ireland and the Office of the Press Ombudsman, and our staff operate within the Code of Practice. You can obtain a copy of the Code, or contact the Council, at https://www.presscouncil.ie, PH: (01) 6489130, Lo-Call 1800 208 080 or email: mailto:info@presscouncil.ie Report an error, omission or problem: Your Email (optional) Create Email Alert Create an email alert based on the current article Email Address One email every morning As soon as new articles come online

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Trouble ahead? Why Connolly's victory ramps up the pressure on both Martin and Harris

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The Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael leaders on stage at Dublin Castle with Connolly yesterday evening.Alamy Stock Photo

Under Pressure

Trouble ahead? Why Connolly's victory ramps up the pressure on both Martin and Harris

The landslide win for Ireland’s new president Catherine Connolly is a warning shot for Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.

6.01pm, 26 Oct 2025

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HOW ARE MICHEÁL Martin and Simon Harris feeling today?

Nervous, probably.

The landslide win for Ireland’s new president Catherine Connolly is a warning shot for Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.

Connolly received a massive mandate from the public, commanding 63% of the vote, something the two leaders cannot ignore.

Both parties fought terrible campaigns and that cannot be without consequence for the pair.

Fianna Fáil notably had the worst presidential election of the two, with Jim Gavin’s campaign imploding before it really got off the ground.

The decision to run Gavin in the first place and the whole process around it is now subject to an internal party review which is due to conclude in mid-November.

Once Gavin left the stage, it undoubtedly gave Martin some breathing time to strategise how he is going to handle the fallout.

The number of unhappy Fianna Fáilers is mounting, with some now talking about a change at the top.

Carlow-Kilkenny TD John McGuinness is one of them and while he has long been a critic of the Fianna Fáil leadership, much of what he had to say on RTÉ’s This Week programme today is resonating with others in the party now.

Fianna Fail needs a new leader “in the not too distant future”, he told the radio show today.

McGuinness said the party’s campaign “turned into a shambles” and has resulted in the party standing at 17% in the polls, the same percentage it had in the disastrous year of 2011.

Carlow-Kilkenny TD John McGuinnessOireachtas Press Office

Oireachtas Press Office

Calling it “a shocking embarrassment” for members of the party, McGuinness said the election has underlined the need for the party to “reinvent itself” for the future.

Advertisement

Leadership past its sell-by-date?

He said Fianna Fáil’s policies are past their sell-by-date and the party has stopped responding to the needs of those it claims to represent.

The party should also not be afraid to challenge Europe and the policies that are impacting on our national policy, he said, stating that Catherine Connolly stood on that platform.

“I voted for Connolly and I believe she will be a good president,” said McGuinness.

Asked if Fianna Fáil needs a new leader, McGuinness replied: “In due course, yes.”

It has been suggested that such a change might come about after Ireland’s EU presidency in December next year, but McGuinness said he doesn’t think the party can wait until then.

He called for an open discussion “within next ten days” on what needs to happen in the future.

The type of leadership that brought the party back to 17% in the polls needs to be discussed, he said, stating that there needs to be a conversationo about future leadership that will return the party to greater success.

“Not to do that would be sticking our heads in the sand,” he argued.

This view is widely held in parliamentary party, said McGuinness, although he acknowledged that there are differing views on how to approach it.

McGuinness’ view is also held by MEP Billy Kelleher who called it a disastrous election for the party. Kelleher had put himself forward as a potential candidate for the Áras at the end of the summer but was defeated in an internal vote by the Martin-backed Gavin.

Billy Kelleher MEP very strong here in a chat with me in Cork.
Called election “disastrous” for Fianna Fáil. @thejournal_ie pic.twitter.com/Pt9dNnmXwT— Niall O’Connor (@NiallJournal_ie) October 25, 2025

Fianna Fáil TD John Lahart told RTÉ News this evening that he agrees with McGuinness that there must be a discussion about the leadership.

“It is a conversation that the party needs to have. The events of the last few weeks, the result yesterday, and the outcome of the result have brought that conversation forward,” Lahart said.

McGuinness and Lahart have previously raised questions around Martin’s leadership. Three years ago, both politicians spoke out publicly about Martin, his leadership and the direction of the party while the party leader was in Japan.

At the time, Martin dubbed mutterings of a heave against him as speculation.

A number of Fianna Fáil politicians are understood to be having such conversations. Over the weekend, there was chatter that around 12 Fianna Fáil TDs might push for a no confidence motion in Martin at some point.

Related Reads

Inside the Humphreys campaign: 'We had a fair idea a week ago we were going to lose'

What part of the country gave the most votes to Jim Gavin?

The Fine Gael presidential curse: how the party have performed in every race for the Áras

However a Fianna Fáil minister dismissed the suggestion, telling The Journal this weekend that it was the “usual suspects” and asserting that they don’t have the numbers to challenge the party leader.

Fianna Fáil sources tell The Journal this evening that there might be more to the rumblings than there was three years ago, but for any momentum to pick up a challenger to Martin’s leadership would want to speak up soon.

Ireland’s EU presidency next year

Martin’s leadership will come in for sharp focus in the weeks before Christmas, but as mentioned, many within the party don’t believe a change of leadership should take place ahead of or during Ireland holding the EU presidency next year.

While Martin is steadfast in his assertions that he will lead the party into the next general election and that he’s going nowhere, the conversation around his leadership is growing louder.

The next few weeks and months could prove crucial for him.

But what about Harris?

While the election might not have been as disastrous for Fine Gael as it was for Fianna Fáil, there is still likely to be fallout.

MEP Seán Kelly told The Journal that there are a lot of people within the party unhappy with how it selected its candidate, stating that it was “big, big mistake” not to hold a vote in the party and for hustings not to be held.

Kelly had been hoping to run himself but called off his campaign after it became clear to him that he would not receive the necessary 20 votes from the parliamentary party to trigger an internal contest.

Harris defended his approach to the process this weekend – stating at Dublin Castle that he never publicly endorsed one candidate over another, only backing Humphreys 100% when she won the nomination. Some in the party say Harris rushed into picking a candidate when Mairead McGuinness withdrew from the nomination in August due to illness.

The party has come close several times to winning the presidency, but has never managed to get a candidate over the line.

Harris was hoping this election might change that and might even give a boost to his party, one that might counter the narrative that Fine Gael is pretty dismal at running effective political campaigns. Unfortunately, it only reinforced that narrative.

So, whose leadership is more at risk?

Martin’s will come under the most pressure in the coming days. Harris isn’t home-free though. Lots of questions remain, and party members will be seeking answers.

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article.

Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Support The Journal

Christina Finn

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Catherine Connolly

Micheál Martin
Presidential Election
Simon Harris
there may be trouble ahead
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limping across the line
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54 mins ago

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Christina Finn

advantage arsenal
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Marathon Girl
Months after running her first ever marathon, this teenager claimed the Irish title in Dublin

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As it happened
Catherine Connolly will be the 10th President of Ireland

How did your constituency vote? Here are the full results of the presidential election

INVALID VOTES
Here’s how many people in your constituency spoiled their vote

new woman in the áras
Connolly pledges to 'shape a new republic' as she's elected president with largest vote ever

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