Louise Burne: If Labour knew of the banana skin around Jim Gavin, how can Fianna Fáil claim innocence?

While senior figures in Fianna Fáil can say they were made aware of an issue, but not the actual issue, how hard did they try to get to the bottom of it all?

Taoiseach Micheál Martin with other senior Fianna Fáil members, including Jack Chambers, announcing Jim Gavin as the party's presidential election candidate in September. Picture: Niall Carson/PA

“Did you hear about Jim Gavin and a tenant?” a Labour member whispered.

It was Friday, September 5, and Fianna Fáil’s presidential selection vote between Mr Gavin and Cork MEP Billy Kelleher the following Tuesday was the hot topic in all political circles.