Criticism is always important, according to the Taoiseach in response to a call from a Fianna Fáil backbencher for him to resign the party leadership.
John McGuinness wrote a letter to members last night saying senior figures are sitting in an echo chamber.
The Carlow-Kilkenny deputy claims a culture of anger in the party has sown seeds of disillusionment.
Taoiseach Michéal Martin says debate and differences of opinion are welcome:
"John has been consistent in terms of his viewpoints, not just relation to me but with previous leaders as well. He has a view, I don't agree with his view, but I think in any party, there would be something wrong or troublesome criticism, I welcome criticism that's fair enough. I think we need to be careful that we don't undermine ourselves, either in terms of some of what gets said and some of what gets done but criticism is always important."
