Fianna Fáil asked Jim Gavin several times if he had difficulties with tenants, Taoiseach says

On RTÉ’s 'Six One News', Micheál Martin said he proposed Mr Gavin as the party needed a 'broad-based candidate who could have the potential to garner a significant degree of support across society'

Taoiseach Micheál Martin: 'This is a tough day for us as a party. It is not something I anticipated or wanted in any shape or form.' Picture: Colin Keegan/Collins, Dublin

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said Fianna Fáil asked Jim Gavin several times if he had any difficulties with tenants and was informed he did not.

Mr Gavin spectacularly pulled out of the race on Sunday night, citing that he had made a mistake.