FF candidate Gavin battles through media grilling in Cork

Fianna Fáil presidential candidate Jim Gavin was probably glad of his Defence Forces training when he faced a media grilling on the first day of the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party think-in at the Rochestown Park Hotel yesterday.

Under questioning from journalists, the former Dublin football manager said the Government’s delivery of housing is “not good enough yet”, and he said that, if elected, he would follow the example of President Higgins, speaking out “without fear or favour”.

“There’s a huge focus going on housing,” he said.

“All I can do, from my perspective, if I am fortunate enough to get elected, is to keep the pressure, keep the focus on housing.”

He said that the key aim of his presidency would be “that nobody is left behind”.

Challenged by The Echo on how the president could have any input into who is, or is not, left behind, Mr Gavin said he had previously chaired a committee to bring investment to Dublin’s north inner city, and this gave him an insight into the lives of disadvantaged people.

“I agree, the president can’t write policy, but what the president can do is advocate for those who haven’t got a voice,” he said.

“I believe that is the role of the president.”

He also clarified earlier remarks in which he has said the Israeli offensive in Gaza had achieved its military goals, describing Israel’s actions as “genocide”.

“Let me be clear, there is genocide taking place daily in Gaza,” he said.

Asked about the Women of Honour, who have highlighted abuse in the Defence Forces, Mr Gavin said he had “proudly worn the uniform of the State” for 20 years.

Asked if he had been aware of any abuse during his time in the Defence Forces, Mr Gavin said: “In the environment I created in the time I was in a command position, I set very high standards.

“If I had any sense of that, I would have taken very strong action.”