He’s the first Cabinet Minister to publicly back a candidate.
Minister for Higher Education and Kildare North TD James Lawless has backed Jim Gavin to be Fianna Fáil’s nominee for President.
He’s the first Cabinet Minister to publicly back a candidate.
It’s understood Jim Gavin has the backing of Taoiseach Micheál Martin.
MEP Billy Kelleher has also announced to colleagues his intention to seek the nomination - with rules for a contest between the two likely to be announced next week.
Minister Lawless says Jim Gavin has given a lifetime of service to the state.

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