Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin says he is working to rebuild the party and is not concerned at comments made by former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.
Mr Ahern, speaking at a local election candidate meeting in Dublin, criticised Deputy Martin and said Fianna Fáil is not performing well.
Recent polls have generally seen the party rise in popularity, however.
Speaking to Shannonside/Northern Sound, Deputy Martin said he's "not bothered" by Mr Ahern's remarks.
"He's not a member of the party, he resigned from the party, as you know, following the revelations in the Mahon Tribunal," he said.
"As a result of that , he doesn't attend party meetings.
"We live in a democracy. As far as I'm personally concerned, an individual candidate made a judgement call himself.
"As I said to you, I'm not overly bothered by this."