"Taoiseach has bypassed some of his party's big vote-getters and turned to Jim Gavin, who has never run for office or shown any interest in politics "Uno duce, una voce... in other words, there will be no more nibbling at my leader's bum" - PJ Mara, press adviser to Fianna Fáil leader, Charles J Haughey, February 1985. Fianna Fáil TDs are finding out that Micheál Martin learnt the dark arts of leadership all too well from his mentor and benefactor, Charlie Haughey."
"As he puts the squeeze on the party to back his pick for president, the Taoiseach has dropped any semblance of being a consensus-driven, consultative and communicative leader. Not only has he made his feelings clear on the party figures of the past, but the current crop don't rank too highly in his thinking either."
Micheál Martin has bypassed several prominent Fianna Fáil vote-getters and selected Jim Gavin, who has never run for office or shown political interest, as his preferred presidential nominee. Martin is applying pressure on the parliamentary party to support Gavin. His approach mirrors leadership tactics associated with Charlie Haughey, favouring top-down decision-making over consultation. The Taoiseach has signalled low regard for both past party figures and the current crop of TDs. Fianna Fáil TDs are experiencing constraint and are being urged to fall in line behind the chosen candidate.
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