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.