Fianna Fáil 'a laughing stock' as Taoiseach under pressure following Jim Gavin's exit

One Fianna Fáil party source called Jim Gavin's short-lived presidential campaign 'a complete and utter f**k up from top to bottom'

 Micheál Martin shakes hands with Jim Gavin at the Fianna Fáil party think-in in Cork last month. Picture: Damien Eagers 

Taoiseach Micheál Martin is under pressure from within his own party following the withdrawal of Jim Gavin from the presidential race.

Fianna Fáil party sources reacted with disbelief to the late-night announcement which followed reports that Mr Gavin had failed to repay more than €3,000 paid to him by a former tenant in error. 

Mr Gavin failed to answer questions about that situation during Sunday's second presidential election debate and in a press conference afterwards when pressed by the Irish Examiner.

One party source called Mr Gavin's short-lived campaign "a complete and utter fuck up from top to bottom".

One TD said that the party was "a laughing stock" and that Mr Martin's standing as leader was now "irreparably damaged". Asked if they believed Mr Martin's gamble to back Mr Gavin over party stalwart Billy Kelleher showed a lack of judgement, another TD said that was "putting it mildly".

One TD described the situation as being a "calamity" and "mortifying", while questioning the Taoiseach's judgement over the selection of Mr Gavin. Another said that Mr Gavin had been let down by his party.

"Micheál was clearly distancing himself with a while. There was no social media posts for five or six days. The question now is how long did they know about it? It's damaging for Micheál and the party," said a TD.

"It’s such a mess. It’s really sad, to be honest. That our party is now a laughing stock of this election," a source added.

Sources on Sunday said the party had "poured money down the drain" in supporting Mr Gavin's candidacy, while others said that they had "stuck their necks out" for the party leader.

Mr Martin described Mr Gavin's decision to withdraw as "the correct one" in a statement.

"Jim has accepted that he made an error in relation to an issue which has arisen in recent days. As Jim himself has said, the office of Uachtarán na hÉireann is the highest in the land and the pinnacle of public service. He has also said he does not want to bring controversy onto this office.

"This has been a very difficult decision for Jim, given his commitment to public service. I wish him well. I have no doubt that he will continue to make a significant contribution to Irish life and society."

Mr Martin had backed Mr Gavin ahead of Mr Kelleher over the summer, saying the former Dublin boss was "the person I think best placed to represent the Irish people as president".