Fianna Fáil unrest grows as Taoiseach admits party mishandled presidential race

Taoiseach admits Fianna Fáil’s presidential campaign fell short and says he learned too late of Billy Kelleher’s interest in running

Micheál Martin with Jim Gavin. Picture: Damien Eagers Photography 

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said Cork MEP Billy Kelleher could “in hindsight” have been a stronger presidential candidate than Jim Gavin.

“I would have much preferred if Billy had come to me much earlier and, in hindsight, he could have been a stronger candidate,” Mr Martin said.