'He'd blown it': Jim Gavin was right to quit Áras race, say Cork voters

While there was some sympathy for Mr Gavin, the general consensus around Cork city centre was that he had no choice but to resign from the presidential election

Adrian Condon, who said he hasn’t been following the presidential election debate, felt there was no real need for a president, describing the role as only a title in Ireland. Picture: Chani Anderson

Jim Gavin was right to resign, “probably” shouldn’t have run in the first place, and most people are undecided about who now to vote for in the upcoming presidential election.

These were the views of people in Cork city centre when asked for their reaction to the Fianna Fáil presidential candidate pulling out of the race for the Áras on Sunday night.

While there was some sympathy for Mr Gavin, the general consensus was that he had no choice but to resign. One voter even went on to say that they believed he had “blown it”.

Rebecca Griffin, 49, said she was “delighted” he had resigned.

She said she thought he appeared to have “difficulty” giving straight answers to straight questions.

Rebecca Griffin said Jim Gavin's exit was no loss. Picture: Chani Anderson

“I don’t think he was a suitable candidate for the presidency at all,” she said.

“He didn’t seem very accountable, and I think he was a bit of a chancer.”

She also said his GAA background “didn’t do it for me”.

Olive Melvyn, from Kinsale, was more sympathetic. She said: “I feel sorry for the man.

“I just think he was ill-advised, and he should have acknowledged the mistakes he made.

“That is the big problem. He should have answered things better.”

Olive Melvin, a lifelong Fianna Fáil supporter, said she would have backed Jim Gavin had his name remained on the ticket, but admitted he wouldn’t have been her first choice. Picture: Chani Anderson

The 65-year-old wasn’t so much annoyed that there was an issue around repaying overpaid rent to a tenant, but more that he “hadn’t cleared it up way sooner”.

She said: “We all make mistakes, but if he had rectified it — and he should have rectified it back in the day (all those years ago) — it would be different, but he didn’t.”

As to who she will vote for, she is undecided. However, if she had the chance, she would have voted for Billy Kelleher, who had wanted to be Fianna Fail’s candidate instead of Mr Gavin or Bertie Ahern, if he had stood.

Asked if Ireland even needs a president, she laughed and replied: "Probably not.”

Aoife O’Connell said Jim Gavin’s resignation was irrelevant to her, as he wasn’t a candidate who spoke to her. Picture: Chani Anderson

Aoife O’Connell, a museum education officer, said Mr Gavin was right to resign.

“He had blown it,” the 28-year-old said.

“I think he made no impression from the start anyway.”

On the way he handled questions regarding abuse and mistreatment within the Defence Forces — Mr Gavin repeatedly insisted he did not witness, nor was he ever aware of any abuse during his 20 years' service — she said: “It is hard to believe that he wouldn't have known if he was that long there."

“I don’t think it bodes well if he didn’t know. There is this culture of secrecy around it anyway, and it just doesn’t sit right.”

On him as a candidate, she said: “He didn’t really stand for anything, and he didn’t seem to have strong opinions about anything.

“I will be voting for Catherine Connelly. She answers questions clearly, and she stands for what I stand for — which is all that is right and just.”

Diarmuid O’Connell said he believed Jim Gavin had been put in a difficult position to be nominated in the first place. Picture: Chani Anderson

Diarmuid O’Connell, however, was not terribly fazed by the different controversies that affected Mr Gavin’s candidacy.

The 18-year-old said: “I’m a GAA player, and I would have seen him managing Dublin.

“I was a bit surprised he stood in the first place, as he was never into politics. As someone into GAA, I would have heard more of him than the others.

“From what I saw of him, he seemed to be doing a good job and made a good account of himself.”

As for as his resignation, he said it wasn't something he was that interested in.

“I don’t know why he resigned,” he said.

Ciarán Cook spoke to the 'Irish Examiner' on the streets of Cork, sharing his opinion that he believed Jim had made the right decision. Picture: Chani Anderson

When he was reminded of the rent issue, Mr O'Connell said: “I suppose it makes you question your trust in him hearing about that."

Mr O'Connell has not yet decided if he will vote on polling day on October 24.

“I registered to vote, but I haven’t decided who I am going to vote for,” he said.

“I need to do more research and I will do it nearer the time.”

On the question of Ireland needing a president, he said he felt there is a place for such a “ceremonial role”.