Jim Gavin endorsed by two Fianna Fáil ministers in presidential nomination bid

His endorsement by two ministers and a number of TDs seen as close to Micheál Martin effectively confirms that he will ask the parliamentary party for its approval

Former Dublin football manager Jim Gavin has been described as 'a person of integrity, humility, and distinction' by public expenditure minister Jack Chambers. Picture: Dan Clohessy/Inpho

Two Fianna Fáil ministers have endorsed former Dublin football manager Jim Gavin to be the party's nominee for President on an extraordinary day that saw three candidates emerge.

The endorsement of higher education minister James Lawless and public expenditure minister Jack Chambers came as Ireland South MEP Billy Kelleher told the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party that he wants to be the party's nominee for the presidency. 

Former taoiseach Bertie Ahern also refused to rule himself out on Friday, hitting out at party leader Micheál Martin.

While Mr Gavin has not yet formally announced his intention to seek the nomination, his endorsement by two ministers and a number of TDs seen as close to Mr Martin effectively confirms that he will ask the parliamentary party for its approval. Mr Chambers released a statement which said that he understands the former GAA man will seek the nomination.

Mr Chambers described Mr Gavin is "a person of integrity, humility and distinction". 

"He has my full support to be the Fianna Fáil candidate and I believe he would make an exceptional President of Ireland," Mr Chambers said.

'I never ruled myself out'

However, both Mr Gavin and Mr Kelleher could face a challenge from former party leader Bertie Ahern who, on Friday, criticised Mr Martin and refused to rule himself out from seeking the nomination.

Speaking in Glasnevin, the former taoiseach said that he had asked party higher-ups if he would have Mr Martin's support for a run last December, but had only received an answer in a newspaper report last week. 

It is understood that the party's leadership is opposed to the former taoiseach running, but Mr Ahern said that he was not ruling himself out.

"I haven't ruled myself out," Mr Ahern said. "I never ruled myself out. So that means if you don't rule yourself out, you're in," he said.

Mr Kelleher has contacted TDs and senators in recent days and, in an email sent on Friday, officially informed members that he wants to be the party's nominee to replace Michael D Higgins.

The email, seen by the Irish Examiner, says that the Cork man is "writing this email to formally confirm my intention to seek the Fianna Fáil nomination for the forthcoming presidential election".

Sources in the party suggested that phone calls courting support for Mr Gavin have taken place in the last 48 hours. One source said the Taoiseach's camp has been "caught off guard" by Mr Kelleher's campaign, which garnered support from across the party.