Fianna Fáil urge Gaybo to run for Áras

GAY Byrne’s daughter, Crona says she has been bombarded with phone calls from Fianna Fáil supporters urging her to encourage her father to throw his hat into the Presidential election ring.

Ms Byrne, who lives in Killaloe, Co Clare, with her husband Philip Carney, says those who have contacted her include Clare TD Timmy Dooley.

Support within Fianna Fáil in the Mid-West for a Gay Byrne presidential candidacy has been gathering momentum in recent days.

Former minister Willie O’Dea and front-bench spokesman Niall Collins have also come out in support of the broadcaster.

“People want someone who is not too associated with politics and I think that Gay Byrne would be a very good choice,” said Mr O’Dea.

“Fianna Fáil set up a committee to look at candidates and I don’t know who they have come up with, but I believe that Gay would be an excellent candidate and highly popular with the electorate.

“He has to get a nomination for President and I think we could do it for him in the morning. I don’t think we would have any problem with it.”

Niall Collins said: “He is the most favoured candidate. I think Fianna Fáil would have no problem supporting him or ensuring he gets a nomination.”