Micheál Martin apologises to Fianna Fáil for Jim Gavin debacle 

TDs and senators agree to review party's presidential nomination process but there's no tilt at Taoiseach's position despite 'deep and real anger' within Fianna Fáil

Taoiseach Micheál Martin with Jim Gavin on September 9 at the announcement that Mr Gavin would be Fianna Fáil's presidential candidate. At a private party meeting on Wednesday night, an emotional Mr Martin acknowledged the 'hurt and shock' of members and apologised for the affair. Picture: Niall Carson/PA

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has issued a humble apology to Fianna Fáil TDs and senators for the Jim Gavin debacle and agreed to an official review of the disastrous decision to run the former Dublin GAA manager in the presidential election.

In a closed-door parliamentary party meeting on Wednesday night, an emotional Mr Martin apologised for the affair, which leaves Fianna Fáil without a campaigning candidate in the first presidential election it has contested since 1997.