Fianna Fáil appoints panel to review botched Jim Gavin presidential election bid

Tom Brabazon, Eamon Scanlon, Margaret Murphy O’Connor, and chairman Ciaran O’Loughlin SC will bring specific proposals back to the party by November 12

Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD at the National Ploughing Championships in September with then Fianna Fáil presidential candidate Jim Gavin. Picture: Dan Linehan

A four-person panel will be put in place to review Fianna Fáil’s botched presidential election and the selection of its candidate Jim Gavin.

The former Dublin GAA manager pulled out of the race last week following confirmation that he failed to repay a tenant rent overpayments worth €3,300 in 2008.

The party stated that the information that Mr Gavin gave it on the matter when a media query was received and subsequent documentation received from the tenant were contradictory.

Following a fiery parliamentary party meeting last week that lasted for over five hours, the party gathered for a shorter and less contentious meeting on Wednesday evening.

The parliamentary party agreed the terms of reference of a review. This will revert with specific proposals by November 12.

It will include three members of the parliamentary party, Tom Brabazon, Eamon Scanlon, and Margaret Murphy O’Connor, and will be chaired by barrister Ciaran O’Loughlin.

It will consider the steps taken during the identification and selection process, the basis for identification and selection of a candidate, and the presidential election campaign up to and including the day Mr Gavin withdrew, October 5.

The Irish Examiner understands there was some concern about Mr O’Loughlin being appointed as the chairman, as he is involved in the party and oversees procedures.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin with Fianna Fáil parliamentary party colleagues announcing former Dublin Gaelic football manager Jim Gavin as the party's presidential candidate on September 9. Picture: Niall Carson/PA

It is understood that these concerns were raised by Cork East TD James O’Connor, among others.

It was also stated that Pat ‘The Cope’ Gallagher called for the review to be wide-reaching and examine the money lost on the campaign, as well as other potential candidates, such as former Fianna Fáil leader and taoiseach Bertie Ahern.

Despite Mr Gavin withdrawing from the campaign, his name will still be on the ballot paper when voters head to the polls on Friday, October 24.

The remaining candidates are Independent Catherine Connolly and Fine Gael’s Heather Humphreys.