Jim Gavin Was Asked About Tenant Dispute Twice Before Being Selected As Fianna Fáil Presidential Candidate

Tuesday, 16 December 2025 19:16

By Hannah Kelly

Fianna Fail party leader and Taoiseach Micheal Martin with Jim Gavin. Photo: Eamonn Farrell/© RollingNews.ie

Fianna Fáil TDs and senators are currently meeting to discuss the findings of an internal report into the party's botched presidential campaign

Fianna Fáil TDs and senators are currently meeting to discuss the findings of an internal report into the party's botched presidential campaign.

The report was published and emailed to members of the parliamentary party at 6pm.

The 25-page report outlines the events that led to Jim Gavin's selection as candidate and his subsequent withdrawal from the race.

The former Dublin GAA manager dropped out of the race in October, after it was revealed he owed a former tenant €3,300.

It has been revealed that Gavin was asked twice about the possible dispute with the former tenant before he was selected.

The matter was first put to Gavin on September 5, then again on September 8.

According to the report, he repeatedly told the party that he had no recollection of the dispute.

Gavin was selected as the Fianna Fáil presidential candidate on September 9.

He met with the Taoiseach and Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers hours after being pressed on the issue during a live television debate.

The review says both parties recognised how serious the matter was and they advised Gavin that they were not in a position to ask party members to continue to support him.

Gavin was told it would be a 'difficult' ten days if he was to continue his campaign.

He withdrew that evening.

The expected cost of the party's presidential election campaign is estimated to be between €350,000 and €400,000, some of which the party will not be able to recoup due to Gavin's vote failing to reach the required threshold.

There is speculation it could spell the end of Micheál Martin's time as party leader, however the Taoiseach says he has no concerns about his future.

Wednesday morning's Kildare Today will discuss the internal review into Fianna Fáil's presidential campaign from 9.25am.