Taoiseach backs former Dublin manager Jim Gavin for president

Former Dublin gaelic football manager wrote to members of the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party, asking them to nominate him

Jim Gavin addresses delegates during the GAA Special Congress last year at Croke Park in Dublin. Picture: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

The Taoiseach has given his backing to former Dublin gaelic football manager Jim Gavin to be Fianna Fáil's nominee for the presidency, setting the stage for an internal party battle.

Mr Gavin has long been linked with a bid for the nomination, but officially entered the race for the presidency on Saturday, asking members of the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party to nominate him.