A Fianna Fáil TD says he doesn't have confidence in the Taoiseach's handling of the COVID-19 crisis.
Marc MacSharry says Ireland has "wasted three lockdowns" by not building more robust track and tracing facilities.
He also says Leo Varadkar and other ministers shouldn’t 'fly kites' on reopening society if they're not going to follow through.
He was speaking as the Government prepares a plan for easing restrictions over the coming months.
Deputy MacSharry has been one of the most vocal critics from within coalition parties about the approach being taken so far - previously accusing the Government of 'total-risk aversion'.
Asked on The Pat Kenny Show if he has confidence in Micheal Martin's leadership of the crisis, the Fianna Fáil TD said: “No, I don't.
"I've made that clear since last March in recommendations and suggestions in what I believe needs to be done.
"I haven’t had confidence in the entire Government approach to COVID management - they’ve abdicated their responsibility.
“We haven’t sought to build capacity, we haven’t sought to track & trace to the extent that it works. We haven’t seen to introduce guidelines that will see wet pubs or gyms reopen.
“We have had one strategy which is based on hope, vaccination and lockdown. That’s not a strategy - and in that context, no: I don’t have confidence.”
However, he ruled out leaving Government as a result of his lack of confidence.
'We’ve wasted three lockdowns'
The Fianna Fáil TD also said Ireland should put in an 'advance order' for Russia's Sputnik vaccine, so it can be used once the EMA approves it.
He's accused Ireland of being a "goody two shoes" in strictly following the EU's approach to vaccination.
Deputy MacSharry believes a strategy now needs to be developed for living with COVID in the medium and long term.
He said: “The WHO speak of lockdowns as a temporary measure - to build capacities… to detect, isolate and trade. We’ve used it as our sole strategy, and there’s huge collateral damage from that - psychologically, economically and socially.
“I believe we’ve wasted three lockdowns without building those capacities."
The Sligo-Leitrim TD said he is a member of a Government party, but he "works for the people" and has a responsibility to call out issues when they arise.
He suggested he's not afraid to be wrong when he puts forward his own proposals.
He said: “I have praised the physicians for giving the appropriate advice. What I’m criticising is myself - ourselves, the Oireachtas, the Government - for not distilling that advice into a functioning society.
“We are the most locked-down country for the longest period in the history of the world. I yearn to get out of that.”
The Fianna Fáil TD said he believes all pubs should be allowed reopen with the rest of hospitality, with the necessary health measures and regulations are in place.
