The origins of the "Gang of 22" was when Desmond O'Malley challenged Charles Haughey for the leadership of Fianna Fáil in 1983. Disillusioned with the unwillingness of O'Malley, George Colley and their supporters to act, a motion of no confidence against Charles Haughey's leadership was put forward by Charlie McCreevy on his own initiative.
The beginnings of the "Gang of 22" emerged when Desmond O'Malley challenged Charles Haughey for Fianna Fáil leadership in 1983. Disheartened by O'Malley's reluctance to act, George Colley and their supporters were prompted to propose a vote of no confidence against Haughey's leadership by Charlie McCreevy on his own initiative.