Ex-Dublin boss Jim Gavin 'ticks all the boxes' for Fianna Fáil presidential candidate

Fianna Fáil sources say Gavin’s military career and GAA links make him ‘excellent’ presidential candidate

Jim Gavin. File picture: INPHO/Dan Clohessy

Fianna Fáil’s “D-Day” to select a presidential election candidate is approaching, as TDs and senators mull over the possible candidacy of former Dublin GAA manager Jim Gavin.

Mr Gavin has been touted as a possible frontrunner for the party, with speculation focusing on him yesterday.

One senior Fianna Fáil source said Mr Gavin would be an “excellent” candidate for the party.

Another TD said Mr Gavin “ticks all the boxes” for Fianna Fáil, citing his time in the Defence Forces, where he reached the rank of Commandant, as well as his role in the GAA.

“If he wants it and is willing to pitch himself, once the process is in place, there’s an open door,” the source added.

Mr Gavin’s name was first mentioned within party circles last week. Many believe he has the “right attributes” to be president and he would receive support from across the party.

While there is significant support for Mr Gavin, some have questioned how he might perform in debates during the campaign, and stressed that the office of the president required a political figure.

One TD said any incoming president would need to have strong diplomatic skills, particularly citing the need to engage with US lawmakers, particularly Republicans.

Fianna Fáil could meet as early as next week to discuss possible nominees, with Taoiseach Micheál Martin due to outline the process for selecting a candidate shortly. One TD described September 1 as “D-Day” for the party, saying any process initiated to select a candidate would need to speedily carried out.

Other names floated as possible candidates for Fianna Fáil include former senator Pádraig Ó Céidigh, former president of the EU Court of Human Rights Síofra O’Leary, and former taoiseach Bertie Ahern.

It comes amid expectations that the Government could hold the election in the weeks after the budget.

While the Coalition has yet to formally announce a date, TDs believe the election could be held on October 24.

Meanwhile, enterprise minister Peter Burke has played down the prospect of MEP Seán Kelly getting on the Fine Gael ballot, as former social protection minister Heather Humphreys runs away with support.

Asked if he would call on supporters of Ms Humphreys to back Mr Kelly to facilitate a contest, Mr Burke said the rules are “clear”.

“People are very enthusiastic about [Ms Humphreys], so it’s very difficult to turn around and say to people: ‘Hold on, support another candidate.’ You can’t do that,” Mr Burke said.

“The rules are very clear, they’re very open, they’re very transparent, and people are very keen to get behind Heather.”

Under Fine Gael rules, any prospective candidate is required to receive the nomination of 20 parliamentary party members, 25 councillors, and five executive council members.

Ms Humphreys is believed to have around 42 backers, compared to Mr Kelly’s 12, leaving it impossible for the MEP to get on the ballot.

It is expected Ms Humphreys will be declared the party’s candidate when nominations close on September 2.