A senior Fianna Fail TD says the Taoiseach should not have sacked Barry Cowen from cabinet last month after refusing to answer Dail questions on his drink driving ban.
Speaking to the Sunday Times, Jim O'Callaghan says Micheál Martin 'was wrong' to sack his then Agriculture Minister.
He says it was a difficult situation for both men but he would have given the Offaly TD more time.
On the issue of the party leadership, the Dublin Bay South deputy says "he'd be honoured to lead" Fianna Fail and will give it his full consideration when the role arises.