Presidential election: Fianna Fáil's Jim O’Callaghan endorses Jim Gavin

The justice minister confirmed he would be backing Jim Gavin for the presidency, saying he was a 'uniquely qualified candidate'.

Fianna Fáil are set to hold a special parliamentary party meeting next week to decide its candidate for the presidential election, as Jim O’Callaghan endorses Jim Gavin.

The justice minister confirmed he would be backing the former Dublin manager for the presidency, saying he was a “uniquely qualified candidate”.

In a statement on Monday, a spokesperson for Mr O’Callaghan said he spoke with both Mr Gavin and Billy Kelleher earlier this morning.

“He believes Fianna Fáíl is lucky to have two such outstanding people seeking its nomination. It has been a difficult call for him because both would be excellent in the office of Uachtarán na hÉireann,” the spokesperson said.

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“He has decided to support Jim as he believes he would be a uniquely qualified candidate.” 

Mr O’Callaghan’s decision to back Mr Gavin means all of Fianna Fáil’s senior Cabinet ministers have come out for the former Dublin GAA manager. It comes as the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party is set to meet next week to decide on its candidate.

The process will require prospective candidates to receive five nominations, which must be received by Friday. During the meeting, candidates will be given 10 minutes to outline their case for the nomination, before a vote will be taken.