Jack Chambers never considered resignation in wake of 'devastating' presidential election

Jack Chambers was questioned about whether or not he believed it was a mistake to be appointed as the director of elections for Fianna Fáil, while he was preparing Budget 2026

Picture: Sam Boal/Collins Photos

Public expenditure minister Jack Chambers has said he never considered resigning as deputy leader of Fianna Fáil over the party’s disastrous presidential election campaign.

Mr Chambers said the party’s review of the election outlines that there was no “basis or reason” for him to step down from his role as deputy leader.

“Absolutely not, no. I worked in good faith and as director of elections. I think if you see the wider review, there was no basis or reason for me to ever do that,” Mr Chambers said.

The review, provided to TDs and senators on Tuesday, found that Jim Gavin was told by Taoiseach Micheál Martin that Fianna Fáil would not be able to back the former GAA boss over revelations about €3,300 owed to a former tenant.

Mr Martin and his party's deputy leader, Mr Chambers, also told Mr Gavin he was facing "10 very difficult days”.

Mr Gavin had been asked multiple times about an issue with a tenant and said he had no recollection of any issue, the review also found.

This remained the former Dublin GAA boss's position until October 4, when the tenant identified himself in a telephone call received by the party's press office in the presence of Mr Gavin.

Mr Chambers was questioned about whether or not he believed it was a mistake to be appointed as the director of elections for Fianna Fáil, while he was preparing Budget 2026.

In response, Mr Chambers said he was finance minister in 2024 when Fianna Fáil had a “very successful general election”.

“I take every role I’m given seriously and put a huge amount of work and time into it. Clearly, the issue that emerged here was something that had very severe consequences.

“But I implemented the budget properly and I don’t think anyone can question the work I put into the budget in advance of it.” 

Mr Chambers said it was a “major regret” not to have a candidate run for the full election, describing it as being “devastating” for everyone involved.

“Everyone entered it and worked on it in good faith and obviously I regret what emerged in the end.” 

Asked if the controversy had damaged his prospects of becoming the next Fianna Fáil leader, Mr Chambers said his “daily motivation” is not about that.

He said Mr Martin should lead Fianna Fáil into the next general election, saying there is “strong support” for the Taoiseach’s leadership.

Mr Chambers added that the “collective view” is that Fianna Fáil should move on from the presidential election.