Former Dublin GAA football boss Jim Gavin has contacted the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party to request a nomination for the upcoming presidential election, reports Breaking News.
Several government ministers, including Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers, have already publicly backed Mr Gavin’s bid for the presidency.
Fianna Fáil MEP Billy Kelleher has officially announced his own intention to seek support, while former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has not ruled out a run, despite voicing frustration that the party leadership hasn’t endorsed him, reports Breaking News.
In a letter addressed to party TDs, Mr Gavin explained that several members had reached out to ask if he would consider entering the race.
He wrote: “I was very honoured to have been approached. Since then, I have engaged in thoughtful conversations with people both in the party and in the wider community. These discussions have reaffirmed my belief in the unique and vital role the presidency plays in our national life,” reports Breaking News.
He further stated: “I believe that, in these turbulent times, Ireland needs a president who can bring people together and promote and represent our shared values and interests at home and abroad.”
The letter also said: “My commitment to you is that I will travel to every part of the country, working alongside you and the party’s members, to promote this vision for an active presidency and to demonstrate Fianna Fáil’s resolute commitment to leading national debate,” reports Breaking News.
Fianna Fáil’s party whip, Paul McAuliffe, confirmed on social media on Saturday that Mr Gavin had reached out to request his nomination.
He stated: “This morning, Jim Gavin called me to confirm he is seeking a nomination. I nominated Jim to be the 82nd Freeman of Dublin because of his service to his sport, to his community, and to his country. Therefore, I would have no hesitation in nominating him to be a candidate to become Ireland’s first citizen. As people around the country get to know Jim, they will see how his humility, his dedication, and his own values make him the right person to represent all of us,” reports Breaking News.
Fianna Fáil’s parliamentary party is expected to decide on its presidential election stance sometime in early autumn.
At present, left-wing independent Catherine Connolly is the only contender who has secured enough support to appear on the presidential ballot, reports Breaking News.
The Galway TD has the official endorsement of Labour, the Social Democrats, People Before Profit-Solidarity, and a number of independents.
Sinn Féin has not yet confirmed if it will support Ms Connolly or opt to field its own candidate, reports Breaking News.
Heather Humphreys and Sean Kelly are currently competing for the Fine Gael nomination, following Mairead McGuinness’s withdrawal in mid-August due to “medical advice.”
The presidential election is likely to take place in late October, as it must occur within 60 days of President Michael D. Higgins’ second term ending on November 11, reports Breaking News.
To qualify, a presidential hopeful must be nominated by either 20 Oireachtas members or four local councils.
Though public figures like MMA star Conor McGregor and Riverdance performer Michael Flatley have expressed interest in running, they will need this official support to appear on the ballot, reports Breaking News.
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