Nervy times for FF as the post-Repeal dust settles

The emphatic overturning of the Eighth Amendment has left many Fianna Fáilers feeling that their party is hugely out of step with the prevailing national mood

Micheál Martin: the Fianna Fáil leader believes there is an ‘obligation’ on his TDs and senators to support the will of the people Picture: Collins

A year ago this weekend, Leo Varadkar was being told by at least one confidante that Simon Harris, who had backed Simon Coveney for the Fine Gael leadership, should be sacked from cabinet. The Taoiseach-elect was told that the Minister for Health could not be trusted following a fractious campaign that had been rife with briefing and counter-briefing.

Varadkar ignored the advice, kept Harris in Health, and entrusted him with responsibility for delivering ...