The Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney has said he is "embarrassed" how his appointment of Katherine Zappone as a special envoy has led to a lengthy political "fiasco".
Speaking at the Fine Gael think-in in Trim, Co Meath, he said: "It's not been my finest month in politics."
The Minister said he never expected to be the subject of a no-confidence motion, but would be "upfront and honest" in the Dáil tomorrow evening.
He said he expects the backing from other coalition parties in the vote, and has been in touch with other government deputies.
Mr Coveney rejected any suggestion that the row over Ms Zappone's appointment occurred because the Fine Gael leadership was out of touch.
He said: "There is no sense of complacency or separation in the party."
The Minister added: "There was no arrogance in all of this. I was just trying to do my job."
Mr Coveney said that the Taoiseach Micheál Martin "wasn't particularly annoyed" when the Zappone appointment became public - "he was just surprised".
It comes as the Fine Gael party mounted a social media defence of Mr Coveney, in advance of tomorrow's Sinn Fein no-confidence motion in the Dáil.
On a video posted this morning, the party extolled Mr Coveney's credentials in the Brexit negotiations - asserting he's "an asset to Ireland".
It also dismisses the Sinn Féin no-confidence motion as a headline grabbing stunt.
On Twitter, Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe said: "Simon Coveney is one of the most principled, dedicated and honest public servants I have ever worked with. A hugely effective and vital politician."
Minister of State Frank Feighan said: "I have known and worked with Simon Coveney for more than 20 years. He is the most compassionate, hardworking, articulate and honest politician I have ever met."
Deputy Neale Richmond said: "I have been fortunate to see the phenomenal work Simon Coveney has done for Ireland and Europe." He described the Sinn Féin motion as "cynical".
Deputy Alan Farrell said: "Simon Coveney is an exceptional political who has provided outstanding service to the State over three governments."
Other endorsements from Fine Gael politicians came from Senator Jerry Buttimer, Senator Tim Lombard, Senator Micheál Carrigy, Senator John McGahon, Sentor Barry Ward, and Senator Mary Seery-Kearney.
However the video was also criticised.
Independent MEP Luke Ming Flanagan said on Twitter that Mr Coveney "did well" in housing "for landlords and vulture funds. He's an asset for sure. To the wealthy".
He also criticised Mr Coveney's role as Minister for Agriculture, claiming he had engaged in cronyism during his tenure.
