Micheál Martin has indicated he has no plans for when he will step down as Fianna Fail leader.
The 63-year-old has led the party since 2011, serving as Taoiseach during his tenure as well as holding a multitude of ministerial roles during his political career.
The former teacher, from Cork, is currently Tánaiste and Minister for Defence under the terms of the coalition Government deal between Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Greens.
Speaking on the second day of his party’s think-in event in Co Tipperary, Mr Martin said he is still passionate about tackling the issues which Ireland is grappling with, including the housing crisis and climate change.
“I will lead Fianna Fáil into the next general election and beyond,” he told RTÉ.
Pressed on what his plans are for when he is no longer leader, Mr Martin said: “That’s a long time away, let’s take it one step at a time.
“The people will decide in the next general election, the outcome of that, in terms of which party goes into government. I will lead the party into government, I have the commitment and responsibility to the party and I will work with my party colleagues in that respect.”
Mr Martin said the first step will be getting re-elected as a TD, adding he never takes that for granted in his constituency of Cork South Central.
He added: “I’ve been grateful that so many people have voted for me on a consistent basis. That is the lifeblood of our democracy.
“I’m committed to politics. I’m committed to parliamentary democracy… there are a lot of issues there… in terms of housing, and health, education and climate, and there are still passions that I’m interested in and driven by.”
