Fianna Fáil can win next general election, says Micheál Martin

Fianna Fáil can win the next general election, party leader Micheál Martin has said.

He said research and work on the ground within constituencies indicated that the party is in a much better position than it was going into the last election, in 2016.

"We will provide robust opposition for any one running against us," he told Newstalk Breakfast on Friday.

On Thursday, Mr Martin appointed Dara Calleary to the position of deputy leader as he announced a front-bench reshuffle. Mr Martin met individual TDs on Thursday morning to inform the changes. Mr Calleary, who will now become the director of policy development, said he was honoured to be promoted to the role.

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Mr Martin on Friday defended the reshuffle, saying there was a need for change and to “freshen up” the front bench. He denied a claim that this was an indication the party is gearing up for an early election. “As far as we’re concerned, as a political party, we’re always preparing for an election.”

The reshuffle is an opportunity for some spokespeople to gain more experience, he added.

Mr Martin also said that preparing for the next budget will be a challenge. “After two budgets we really do need to see a delivery on promises.

“We’re not in the business of giving anyone a blank cheque.”

Homelessness

When asked about the Government’s response to homelessness and the rising number of people without a home, Mr Martin said it was obvious this week that “it was almost an admission of defeat.”

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar conceded the latest increase in homeless numbers is "extremely disturbing". There are now nearly 10,000 people homeless in the State. Speaking to the Oireachtas Finance Committee on Thursday, Mr Varadkar argued the State hugely increased the budget for emergency accommodation by €140 million, had committed to build 110,000 social houses over the next 10 years, and had established a new State agency to acquire State lands and build upon them. Yet he accepted there had been not enough visible progress.

However, Mr Martin said there was an over-reliance on the private sector without enough building of public housing, he said. Since 2013-2014 organisations like Simon and Alone had been warning of the crisis, but the Government did not take action at the time.