Fianna Fáil TDs are split on whether they should table a motion of no confidence in Mr Barrett if he does not withdraw his claim the party is trying to undermine him.

Micheál Martin and Mr Barrett spoke late last night and there are ongoing contacts taking place, according to a Fianna Fáil spokesman. Sources declined to comment further on the discussions.

While Mr Barrett did not return calls from The Irish Times last night, it is understood he has told colleagues he believes he has done nothing wrong. In a statement yesterday, he said the Opposition are entitled to question his decisions, but he stood by his ruling last week not to allow a debate on the establishment of an inquiry into Garda malpractices, instead letting the issue through on a vote.

However, this go far enough for many in Fianna Fáil.

Niall Collins, the party's justice spokesman, said Mr Barrett must withdraw this suggestion and explain the rationale for his decision to rule out a debate on an inquiry into allegations of Garda misconduct.

Former minister for Justice Alan Shatter had asked Mr Barrett to exclude his handling of claims made by whistleblower Sgt Maurice McCabe from the inquiry.

Dara Calleary, the party's jobs spokesman, said he must withdraw his comment. Fianna Fáil TD Éamon Ó Cuív also said he must withdraw the comments and publish all correspondence from Mr Shatter and his solicitors.

Respect

“This is about having respect for Fianna Fáil,” said another privately, while a number of others felt the issue had gone too far and should be defused. “I think he [Barrett] has done enough,” said one senior TD.

However, all acknowledged the parliamentary party would row in behind Mr Martin should he decide to push a motion of no confidence.

Clare deputy Timmy Dooley said the Opposition are always entitled to question any decision by the Ceann Comhairle but claimed the issue was that Mr Barrett questioned their motivation for doing so.

Sinn Féin has already said it has no confidence in Mr Barrett, and his position would come under serious threat if the largest Opposition parties were to move against him.

In his statement, Mr Barrett said he may have given the impression last week that the “Opposition were not entitled to question my decision”.

"Of course I accept that they are entitled to question my decision. However, I will state that I made the decision after careful consideration in the best interest of the Oireachtas and the taxpayer," he added.