Fianna Fáil has selected Jim Gavin, former Dublin Gaelic football manager, as its presidential candidate for the upcoming election. The decision follows a vote of the party’s parliamentary party on Thursday, where Gavin defeated MEP billy Kelleher.
The selection of Gavin, widely known for leading Dublin to a record-breaking five All-Ireland senior Football Championship titles in a row (2015-2019), marks a departure for Fianna Fáil, which had previously put forward experienced politicians for the role. This move is seen as an attempt to appeal to a broader electorate adn present a candidate outside the traditional political sphere.MEP Billy Kelleher, arriving for the vote, had stated he was “highlighting my credentials, how I feel the presidency should go in terms of the values our party promotes across the country, the type of campaign we would be running.” He also emphasized the importance of the presidency’s “soft power…in terms of speaking for citizens, advocating for citizens and those on the margins.”
Prior to the vote, the atmosphere within the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party was described as tense, with some TDs suggesting the outcome could have implications for party leader Micheál Martin and future leadership contests. Others downplayed the meaning of the vote, dismissing talk of a major divide within the party.
Gavin has a distinguished career outside of politics, serving as a career officer in the defence Forces and holding a phd in sports management. He has also chaired a Citizens’ Assembly examining the case for a directly elected mayor for Dublin and, since 2023, has led a taskforce focused on improving services and quality of life in Dublin’s northeast inner city.
