Taoiseach Micheál Martin was encouraged by a “lifelong Fianna Fáil supporter” to change his mind and run Bertie Ahern in the presidential election less than 10 hours after Jim Gavin stood down. In correspondence sent to Mr Martin, released to the Irish Examiner under Freedom of Information, he was also urged to advise Mr Gavin to continue campaigning. The announcement that Mr Gavin was withdrawing was contained in a press release from Fianna Fáil at 10.31pm on October 5. “A minor mistake should not have ‘cost’ him his candidature to the presidential race,” they said. They said Mr Gavin “should have been advised to carry on” and argued that it was a “minor oversight”.

Source: Irish Examiner December 29, 2025 07:00 UTC