Cork MEP Billy Kelleher says he would have won presidency as Fianna Fáil candidate

Cork MEP reflects on Fianna Fáil’s presidential election collapse, leadership fallout and growing fears for politicians’ personal safety

Billy Kelleher said the “damage was done” after Jim Gavin’s withdrawal. Picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire

Cork MEP Billy Kelleher has said he would have won the 2025 presidential election had he been selected as Fianna Fáil’s candidate.

In a wide-ranging interview with the Irish Examiner, Mr Kelleher said the presidential election descended into a “one-horse race” towards the end, after Jim Gavin’s campaign imploded and Heather Humphreys was unable to catch up to Catherine Connolly.