Campaign the 'most embarrassing election for Fianna Fáil since 2011' say angry members

Micheál Martin (left) with Jim Gavin outside Leinster House. File picture: Stephen Collins/Collins Photos

The presidential election campaign was the “most embarrassing election for Fianna Fáil since 2011”, angry members have said.

Members of the parliamentary party have now questioned how the review into the party’s botched Jim Gavin campaign is progressing after details were not sent to TDs and Senators last week as expected.

There is also increasing anger over Taoiseach Micheál Martin’s initial decision not to attend Dublin Castle for the announcement of the presidential election results.

Mr Gavin, Fianna Fáil’s presidential election candidate, pulled out of the campaign in early October following confirmation that he had failed to repay a tenant overpaid rent payments 16 years ago. This led to questions about the vetting process that was in place for candidates.

Despite this, Mr Gavin received 103,568 (7.18%) of first preference votes, finishing last behind Fine Gael’s Heather Humphreys and winner Catherine Connolly.

One Fianna Fáil member said this was the “most embarrassing election for Fianna Fáil since 2011”.

“It’s brought a huge level of shame amongst the Fianna Fáil members and supporters,” they said.

“The decision was taken by the party's hierarchy in relation to this presidential election. Irrespective of the outcome, we do know that we had plausible candidates that could have performed.”

'Our lads made an absolute balls of it'

One Fianna Fáil TD told the Irish Examiner that the election had been “some shitshow” and “our lads made an absolute balls of it”.

Another parliamentary party member said it is “incredibly concerning” that such a high number of people either did not vote or spoiled their votes.

“People just can’t afford to have their heads buried in the sand anymore.”

There is also a concern that the party was told last week that it would receive details of the review into the presidential election campaign. However, this was not received.

Sources in Fianna Fáil were particularly critical of the Taoiseach’s handling of the campaign, placing significant blame on him.

“He might want to disassociate himself from the shambles, but he can’t,” one TD said. “He is at fault… You can’t just say sorry for a €500,000 mistake.”

The TD said there needs to be some kind of repercussion for the failure of the campaign.

Another TD said the campaign was an “absolute disaster”, and they did not have huge faith in the internal review being carried out.

Fianna Fáil WhatsApp groups also lit up on Saturday when the Irish Examiner reported that Mr Martin would not travel to Dublin Castle for the results.

However, his decision to “change his mind” after a backlash made some in the party “very, very angry”, one TD said.

Mr Martin later rejected assertions that he opted to travel to Dublin Castle for the declaration after facing pressure from backbenchers.