"F*<k Fine Gael F*<k Sinn Fein we are Fianna Fáil we are the Republican Party. There would not be peace on this island without us and the leaders we had," wrote Erin McGreehan.

She was among those who expressed annoyance that the work Fianna Fáil is doing on Northern Ireland is not getting the publicity it deserves.

The Louth TD wrote: "We are terrible at harnessing these goals and the passions of our party and the members. It’s up to all of us to sell that. However, there has been a definite curtailment of the raw passionate and compassionate ambitions of our members. Like it’s been unfashionable or something to be true to ourselves."

Donegal senator Niall Blaney reiterated this, claiming that everyone in the party needs to "own" the issue. 

He said "being true to and passionate about" a united Ireland is what the party was built on.

The conversation began on Sunday when TD James O'Connor posted a link to coverage of remarks made by the Tánaiste.

Ireland South MEP Billy Kelleher then responded by highlighting the fact that he had put down a motion on Irish unity, which was "unanimously approved" and that he had received "great feedback" from members on it.

"Sadly, after many inquires over the years I have yet to receive an acknowledgment or update regarding same. I will try again and let you know if I receive any correspondence."

Clare TD Cathal Crowe said he had been attracted to the party by its Republican emphasis, adding that "without Republicanism we are hollow".

Minister James Lawless, highlighted the work that he had done previously on updating the party's aims and objectives, which reflects the aim of a united Ireland.

One party member suggested that the comments had been made by the Fine Gael leader to deflect from the positive attention Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has received over the weekend on the issue of maternity services.