Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has once again apologised to his party over the presidential election which saw its candidate, Jim Gavin, withdraw from the race last weekend.
Speaking in Dublin at a party event, Mr Martin said: "I want to acknowledge that and to say how deeply sorry I am, about how things turned out."
The Taoiseach referenced last Wednesday night's 5-hour meeting of the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party meeting, saying: "I want to acknowledge the constructive suggestions about making sure that we quickly learn our lessons from this and that we reflect these in how we move forward."
Mr Martin conceded that there needed to be rule changes: "Clearly we need to have a new procedure for deciding when we run a candidate for President and who that candidate is to be. I for one support the idea that we move to a process which is in tune with the wider reforms which we have introduced in the past."
He added: "We think of Jim Gavin and his family who have gone through a very traumatic time. Jim Gavin has made a very significant contribution to our country as UN Peacekeeper, Public Servant and in his impactful work in the North East inner city of Dublin where he is hugely respected. This needs to be said."
The Taoiseach said he had not been in direct contact with Jim Gavin this week, but was in touch with his friends.
He said Mr Gavin and his family "need a break".
'Testing time' for European Union
Micheál Martin also gave a stout defence of the European Union to the Cáirdre Fianna Fáil meeting in Dublin tonight.
He said it was a "testing time for the Union" given there are "many who want to roll back its powers or to stop it helping countries faced with urgent threats".
The Taoiseach added: "Unfortunately these anti-EU sentiments are often found here. Of course these people always pretend that they are not anti-EU, but their demands expose the reality of their beliefs."
Asked who he was speaking about, Mr Martin replied it was the Independent presidential candidate Catherine Connolly, Sinn Féin, and People Before Profit.
Referencing Ireland's 6-month Presidency of the European Council next year, Mr Martin said: "There will be many intense negotiations across a full range of issues. And in everything we will bring a constructive and urgent approach to moving issues forward. We need a strong and effective Europe and we will play our role in making sure that there is a strong and effective Europe."
'I am still as hungry as ever'
Micheál Martin also declared that he will fulfil his mandate as the leader of Fianna Fáil, adding: "I am still as hungry as ever."
He scotched suggestions that a plan for a change in party leader was required by early 2027.
Mr Martin asserted that he became involved in politics "to make a difference... and that remains my motivation".
