Micheál Martin has indicated that he may run for Taoiseach again after the next general election, which is not scheduled until early 2025.
Mr Martin stands down as Taoiseach in December and hands over the office of Taoiseach to his Coalition partner and Fine Gael leader, Leo Varadkar.
It was widely expected that he would move aside at some stage before the next election, making way for a new Fianna Fáil leader.
