Tempers have eased and tensions have diminished a bit in Fianna Fáil this week as the party awaits a report on its disastrous presidential election campaign.
In a move that surprised absolutely nobody, the deadline for the report’s delivery was extended beyond its original date last Wednesday.
TDs and Senators were told by Dublin Bay North TD Tom Brabazon, one of the members of the group compiling the report, that the work required to compile the report was ongoing but would not be completed until next month.
Though some TDs were annoyed by the delay, the move was more or less universally expected in advance of the parliamentary party’s meeting. What else happened?
Taoiseach and party leader Micheál Martin indicated that he would mount a muscular defence if there is any challenge to his leadership. And the rebels within the party decided to keep their powder dry.
[ Micheál Martin not stepping down ‘any time soon’, EU commissioner believesOpens in new window ]
Nothing was resolved and nothing was agreed – except that, implicitly, everyone agreed that now is not yet the time for resolution.
“They’re holding off,” said one Minister about the rebels in the anti-Martin faction.
“Topic adjourned for now,” says another source.
So what actually is the state of play now within the party – and w
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