A former Fine Gael TD has called on Leo Varadkar to step aside as party leader.
Paudie Coffey said that in the wake of Fine Gael's worst-ever election it is time for the party to re-build.
Fine Gael got just under 21% of the vote and could be only the third-largest party in the next Dáil.
Mr. Varadkar is facing a vote of confidence of the Fine Gael parliamentary party.
The party rules state that any leader must submit to a vote of confidence if, after a general election, the party is not forming or joining in the formation of a government.
If the leader fails to secure a majority they must resign.
Fine Gael's Paschal Donohoe has already indicated he will support Mr. Varadkar in any such vote.
Speaking earlier he said, "I think the learnings that we have from our time in government, and how we performed as a party are ones that are very deep.
"And I am strongly of the view that Leo as party leader will be able to take us forward into the next phase of our development - either in government or if it's not in government, in opposition".
But Fine Gael took no seat in Waterford for the first time in its history - leading to former TD Paudie Coffey calling for Mr Varadkar to go.
He told WLRfm: "I think Leo should reflect on his position, I think he's done his best.
"He didn't achieve what he set out to do, unfortunately - I think he should step aside as leader of Fine Gael. and allow a new re-building of the party from the grassroots up again.
"I believe politics is built from the grassroots.
"People are elected from the grassroots and elected by the people - if you lose the connection with that grassroots well then you lose the vote and you lose the chance of getting back to do what you want to do".
