Fianna Fáil’s former presidential contender Jim Gavin has emphasised the value of “resilience”.
Mr Gavin addressed a fundraising luncheon for Carlow GAA, marking his first public event since concluding his Presidential Election bid, reports RTE.
He mentioned that he was “doing great”.
The ex-Dublin GAA football boss stated: “Life is not linear (and resilient people understand that)”, reports RTE.
Citing the Irish Times, he told those at the Club Carlow Business Summit that life “can be messy”.
“It can be full of tragedy and upset,” reports RTE
Still, he noted that what matters most is “what you do next”.
Mr Gavin remarked: “It’s about the next… phase and the next play,” reports RTE.
Asked whether he had depended on his resilience in recent weeks, he confirmed that he had.
Meanwhile, Taoiseach Micheál Martin has maintained that an examination of Fianna Fáil’s presidential campaign is “not delayed”, reports RTE.
The Taoiseach’s remarks followed a briefing to TDs and senators earlier in the week indicating the review might not be finished until December.
This update came from Deputy Tom Brabazon, a member of the review group, reports RTE.
Speaking at the Garda College in Templemore today, Mr Martin said “the review has been undertaken in a very comprehensive way”, adding that there “is no issue with it”.
The Fianna Fáil leader said he was “bemused” by comments surrounding the review. “It should be allowed get on with its work,” he said, adding that “there are no issues”, reports RTE.
“They have been interviewing people, they have been engaging,” he added, reports RTE.
Mr Martin said he rejected the “concept of a delay”.
“They are getting on with their work. They are doing it. It will be comprehensive. It will be complete,” reports RTE.
He noted that it was vital the review was “done” but also said he was not as “exercised about it” as some others.
When asked whether he viewed the man beside him, Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan, as his successor, Mr Martin replied that he regarded him as a “very effective Minister for Justice”, reports RTE.
Mr O’Callaghan quipped that it was unreasonable to claim the “Taoiseach’s job was being sought by Deputy Ryan O’Meara”, who was also beside them.
He said Mr Martin “deserves a lot of the credit” for last year’s General Election, reports RTE.
“We need to have a broader perspective on issues,” said Mr O’Callaghan, reports RTE.
Mr Martin remarked that his party is “focused on the issues facing the Irish people”, and said the Presidential Election had been a “deeply disappointing experience”.
Asked if a critical assessment of his role as Taoiseach might embolden rebels to support Minister O’Callaghan, Mr Martin said he would not anticipate the findings of the review, reports RTE.
“The most important thing is to let the review get on with its work,” he said, reports RTE.
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