Louise Burne: Jim Gavin must develop sharp elbows to liven up candidacy

During a press conference with the media, frustrated journalists asked the same questions repeatedly as he rolled out prepared answers. It did not matter if the answer fit the question

Irish presidential candidate Fianna Fail's Jim Gavin meets local workers whilst canvassing in Dalkey in Dun Laoghaire, Rathdown county southeast of Dublin. Picture date: Thursday September 25, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

Several things are required if you want to survive a presidential election — good publicity, popularity, promises you can keep, and a pair of sharp elbows.

Fianna Fáil’s Jim Gavin certainly has the first two. The verdict is out on the promises. One thing he certainly does not seem to have is sharp elbows.