Billy Kelleher faces battle for Fianna Fáil nomination

Some party sources feel the momentum is in favour of Jim Gavin — but others say those who wish to vote against Micheál Martin's pick may be slower to make their intentions known

Potential presidential candidates Billy Kelleher MEP, who is seeking the Fianna Fáil nomination, and Gareth Sheridan, at the Kennedy Summer School in New Ross, Co Wexford. Picture: Mary Browne

Ireland South MEP Billy Kelleher faces a battle for the Fianna Fáil presidential nomination, with party sources saying momentum is with former Dublin gaelic football boss Jim Gavin.

Mr Gavin entered the race officially on Saturday and saw Taoiseach Micheál Martin and all but one of the Fianna Fáil cabinet contingent — justice minister Jim O’Callaghan — announce they are backing him.