Overview
- He says he will remain party leader when Fine Gael’s Simon Harris becomes taoiseach next year under the rotation deal.
- Martin concedes he ‘took his eye off the ball’ on the presidential race after Jim Gavin withdrew, citing government focus and US trade tensions.
- He criticises President Trump’s immigration enforcement as over the top and says he opposes ICE-style raids in communities.
- The taoiseach will attend the White House St Patrick’s Day event, arguing engagement serves the national interest and does not equal endorsement.
- A Sunday Independent/Ireland Thinks poll finds 45% say it is time for him to go, Fianna Fáil support at 18%, and his approval rating up to 36%.