Former Dublin manager Jim Gavin has officially entered the race for the presidency

Jim Gavin has written to members of the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party, asking them to nominate him

Jim Gavin

Former Dublin Gaelic football manager Jim Gavin has officially entered the race for the presidency, asking members of the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party to nominate him.

Mr Gavin has long been speculated as the party leadership's pick for the role, but has kept his silence until now.

In a letter sent to TDs, senators and MEPs, Mr Gavin said he was "very honoured to have been approached" by members over the last number of months.

"Since then, I have engaged in thoughtful conversations with people both in the party and in the wider community. These discussions have reaffirmed my belief in the unique and vital role the presidency plays in our national life. Fianna Fáil has a proud tradition of nominating people from different backgrounds, each bringing their own perspectives and experiences to the office.

"I have been very encouraged by these discussions and the message of party members in particular that we should have an active President who builds on the great traditions of the office."

Mr Gavin goes on to set out his vision of the presidency, writing: "I believe that, in these turbulent times, Ireland needs a president who can bring people together and promote and represent our shared values and interests at home and abroad.

"I am asking for, and would be privileged to receive, your support based on my lifelong commitment to public service and my vision for the campaign and presidency.

"Throughout my life, I have worked to serve my country and my community in different leadership roles. I am married to Jennifer, and we have two children. While I am best known for my work in the GAA, one of our largest community organisations, I have been active in many other roles.

"Over nearly four decades, I believe I have shown a commitment to service, leadership and representation for our country.

"I served as a senior officer in Óglaigh na hÉireann, our defence forces, and held a senior role in the United Nations’ peacekeeping mission in Chad and the Central African Republic."

Mr Gavin adds that he had taken on requests from the Government, including "making proposals for improving the governance of our capital city and leading the North East Inner City’s task force working to make this part of our capital city safe, attractive and a vibrant place to live and work in".

"In all of these roles, I have sought to embody the values that I believe should define a presidency if I am nominated: integrity, dignity, trust, respect, teamwork and innovation for the common good.

"My agenda for the presidency will be an active and positive one based on reaching out to every community at home as well as promoting and representing Ireland’s values abroad, facilitating the use of the Áras for the people and promoting Ireland’s language, culture, education and enterprise to the wider world.

"My commitment to you is that I will travel to every part of the country, working alongside you and the party’s members, to promote this vision for an active presidency and to demonstrate Fianna Fáil’s resolute commitment to leading national debate."

Mr Gavin is likely to face off against Ireland South MEP Billy Kelleher in a vote to be decided by the parliamentary party.

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.

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.