Fianna Fáil Set to Announce Presidential Candidate Today: Gavin Favored to Win
Dublin, Ireland – Fianna Fáil will today decide who will represent the party in the upcoming presidential election, with a parliamentary party meeting scheduled to determine whether former Dublin football manager Jim Gavin or Ireland South MEP Billy Kelleher will secure the nomination. The vote, taking place in Leinster House, will see TDs, Senators, and MEPs cast secret ballots after hearing pitches from both candidates.
All indications point to a strong victory for Jim Gavin. He currently boasts the declared support of over 30 members of the 71-strong parliamentary party, including Taoiseach and party leader Micheál Martin, and the backing of all senior Cabinet Ministers.
While MEP Billy Kelleher has publicly secured the support of just five colleagues – Barry Andrews, Pádraig O’Sullivan, james O’Connor, Peter Cleere, and Senator Paul Daly – his supporters are optimistic they can rally 27 votes. Though, the presence of 12 proxy votes, with at least half expected to favor Gavin, further solidifies the former Gaelic football manager’s position.
Should the current declarations of support hold, Gavin is projected to surpass the 36 votes needed for a clear win.
Both candidates expressed confidence ahead of the vote. Gavin, speaking to reporters as he arrived at Leinster House, emphasized the positive energy he encountered during his campaign, stating, “competition is really good.” He highlighted his recent engagements with party members across the country.
Kelleher echoed the sentiment of a healthy debate, stating he felt “excellent” and focused on conveying his vision for the presidency. He stressed the importance of the president’s “soft power” - advocating for citizens, particularly those marginalized – alongside the constitutional and ceremonial duties of the office. He also acknowledged the anonymity of the secret ballot, noting it allows for a vote “without fear or favour.”
The outcome of today’s vote will be a crucial step in shaping the field of candidates for the upcoming presidential election, and will signal Fianna Fáil’s strategy for the campaign ahead.
Keywords: Fianna Fáil, Presidential Election, Jim Gavin, Billy Kelleher, Micheál Martin, ireland, Politics, Leinster House, Irish Times.
