Billy Kelleher says he would have won presidencyJames CoxCork MEP Billy Kelleher has said he would have won the presidency if he had been selected ahead of Jim Gavin for the Fianna Fáil nomination. Taoiseach Micheál Martin and deputy leader Jack Chambers had heavily backed Mr Gavin, but he withdrew three weeks before the vote after it emerged he owed €3,300 to a former tenant in overpaid rent. Mr Kelleher also sought the nomination, and had the backing of a number of senior party figures, however, Mr Martin's backing of Mr Gavin helped push the Dublin football manager over the line. In an interview with the Irish Examiner, Mr Kelleher said he is confident he could have beaten both President Catherine Connolly and Fine Gael candidate Heather Humphreys. Mr Kelleher also referred to the debate around a United Ireland.

Source: Irish Independent December 27, 2025 16:09 UTC