Members of the public, many of whom said they were supporters of Fianna Fáil, voiced criticism of Taoiseach Micheál Martin over what they described as the “humiliating” Jim Gavin controversy.
Messages sent to Mr Martin, obtained by BreakingNews.ie through a Freedom of Information request, show people condemning both the choice of Mr Gavin and the disorderly manner of his withdrawal over a €3,300 sum owed to a former tenant, reports Breaking News.
Fianna Fáil deputy leader Jack Chambers also faced significant criticism, particularly given his role as director of elections for the presidential campaign.
One individual, who said they had previously contacted Mr Martin about rumours that former taoiseach Bertie Ahern might receive the Fianna Fáil nomination, wrote: “He still would have been a better selection than Gavin… what a poor decision.”, reports Breaking News.
Many of the messages were sent on Sunday, October 5th, when news broke of Mr Gavin’s withdrawal, with numerous correspondents using the word “embarrassment”.
One person wrote: “Dear Taoiseach, I am really annoyed at the imposition of a candidate with no appropriate experience to represent Fianna Fáil in this election.”, reports Breaking News.
Another contributor questioned whether Fianna Fáil would nominate a different presidential candidate and suggested former Irish ambassador to the US Daniel Mulhall or former Irish ambassador to Italy Bobby McDonagh.
One voter criticised what they called “appallingly awful candidates”, adding: “Most people I know are not going to bother voting.”, reports Breaking News.
A “long-standing Fianna Fáil member” wrote: “I must say today has been one of the most humiliating and frustrating days I’ve experienced in this party. In my involvement at Cumann, Comhairle Ceantair, and Dáil Ceantair levels, I cannot defend what has happened regarding the selection of our failed Presidential candidate.
“It is obvious that Jim Gavin was the hierarchy’s favoured choice, and they ensured this outcome was pushed through the Parliamentary Party. Grassroots members were given no voice, no consultation, and no genuine role in the process. What we have now is a decision imposed from the top down, and the result has been nothing short of disastrous.”, reports Breaking News.
They continued: “This debacle lies squarely with Micheál Martin and Jack Chambers, and I expect their next steps to acknowledge the scale of the damage they have done. Local councils should have been allowed to support independent candidates, keeping the process democratic and inclusive. Instead, Martin and Chambers have manufactured a situation where the only likely outcome is a Presidency for either Heather Humphreys or Catherine Connolly— options I cannot and will not support. Their actions have left loyal grassroots members embarrassed, undermined, and in an impossible position. I urge Micheál Martin and Jack Chambers to reflect seriously on whether they can continue in their roles after such a grave miscalculation.”, reports Breaking News.
Another writer, who said they were “not particularly political” but had “often voted for Fianna Fáil”, stated: “The lack of due process and judgment on the part of Micheál Martin and indeed Jack Chambers must surely call into question Micheál Martin’s leadership, and Jack Chambers’ judgement and capability,” reports Breaking News.
“Furthermore – it is clear that Micheál Martin turned his back on Bertie Ahern; and arrogantly dismissed other candidates too – and this is the result – no FF candidate for the role of President
“As said – I’m not overly political in the party sense – but – this is serious – and there have to be consequences – this cannot be brushed under the carpet. It is an unmitigated disaster for Martin, Chambers and FF; and for the role of President of Ireland. Not only was Jim Gavin a horrendous candidate from the outset, the man could not string two sentences together, but look what’s left in the race! Either of those to represent Ireland for the next seven year on the Global stage. Diabolical.”, reports Breaking News.
In a separate letter, someone appealed for another Fianna Fáil nominee, saying: “I have no faith in Catherine Connolly or Heather Humphreys”.
Another person, who said they had “supported Fianna Fáil all my life”, wrote: “I have to say that I am extremely disappointed that the party decided to run a candidate for President which was not widely known in the Fianna Faíl political arena. There are several fine politicians within the party that would have been suitable for the job and none less than Billy Kelleher, a fine politician who I believe would have been an excellent President with a good political background,” reports Breaking News.
“One would have to ask why he wasn’t selected to represent the party. The possibility now arises that the opposition may attain the Presidency and if so the blame lies squarely at your door. Very disappointed in you Micheàl.”, reports Breaking News.
This was not the only correspondence to reference MEP Billy Kelleher, who had sought the Fianna Fáil nomination but ultimately lost out after Mr Gavin received backing from the Taoiseach and Mr Chambers.
Another “traditional Fianna Fáil voter” said it was “clear from the time of Gavin’s first interview that he didn’t measure up”, reports Breaking News.
One individual who also identified as a Fianna Fáil supporter told the Taoiseach: “We have lost trust in you.”
As the Dáil prepares to resume in 2026, Mr Martin had hoped to move past the Jim Gavin controversy and put a challenging year behind him, reports Breaking News.
However, multiple sources say there remains significant discontent within Fianna Fáil regarding his leadership.
According to one TD, the Taoiseach “takes zero notice of what Fianna Fáil backbenchers say”, reports Breaking News.
In an interview with BreakingNews.ie, Cork East TD James O’Connor said: “Micheál Martin takes zero notice of what Fianna Fáil backbenchers say, that is my personal position, he knows I think that,” reports Breaking News.
At 28, one of the youngest TDs in government, Mr O’Connor has been outspoken in his criticism of party leadership and said “my own personal view is that Fianna Fáil needs to change how it does business”, reports Breaking News.
He added that there remains ongoing “dismay” within the party following the Gavin controversy.
Tell us your thoughts in the Facebook post and share this with your friends.
