'I want a competition, not a coronation': Anger within Fianna Fáil over election process

Cork MEP Billy Kelleher has received sufficient nominations to get on the internal ballot, despite receiving less public endorsements than former Dublin GAA manager Jim Gavin

There is growing anger within the party over Taoiseach Micheál Martin’s handling of the presidential election process. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

The internal process to select a Fianna Fáil presidential candidate is ongoing, with the battle between former Dublin GAA manager Jim Gavin and Cork MEP Billy Kelleher mostly unchanged.

Mr Gavin has received the support of 24 of the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party, with the most recent endorsement coming from junior minister Thomas Byrne.

Mr Kelleher has received sufficient nominations to get on the internal ballot, despite just four public endorsements. Both candidates are expected to continue to meet with TDs and senators over the days ahead, canvassing for support.

There is growing anger within the party over Taoiseach Micheál Martin’s handling of the presidential election process.

One TD told the Irish Examiner that the party was being asked to support Mr Gavin without having met him. Many others did not speak to him for the first time until recent days.

“People are afraid of Micheál Martin, that is the reality,” one politician said.

“There is a lot of anger within the party and membership about how it’s all being done.”

Secret ballot

One politician argued that decisions had been made without the consultation of the party on previous occasions, but now the matter was at the forefront of debate and coverage in the media.

They added: “I want a competition, not a coronation.”

Multiple sources cautioned that some people who have come out publicly in support of Mr Gavin may not back him in the secret ballot.

Several Fianna Fáil politicians told the Irish Examiner that they will not comment publicly on the Kelleher vs Gavin competition as they want a “democratic process” to take place through the secret ballot.

One TD noted that people coming out to back a certain candidate “doesn’t change anything”, and is unlikely to influence other people’s opinion within the party, so there is no need for people to be “jumping out, pushing over one another” to declare their support.

They also pointed out that, out of 71 Fianna Fáil parliamentary party members, fewer than 30 have declared their support.

“Those that will be influenced by the leader will be, will want to be out, and those that haven't, won't,” they added.

Meanwhile, former RTÉ and Met Éireann meteorologist Joanna Donnelly confirmed on Tuesday she would be seeking support from local authorities to contest the election. Her name is on a list to present at a Dublin City Council meeting on September 15.

The meteorologist was unable to say how she might fund a campaign run, adding: "I could do the job, I couldn't necessarily do the campaign".