Former Dublin manager Jim Gavin linked with Fianna Fáil presidential nomination

James Cox

Former Dublin football manager Jim Gavin is being lined up as Fianna Fáil's presidential nominee, with sources indicating he would have the backing of senior party figures.

As the largest party in the country, Fianna Fáil is widely expected to put forward a candidate in the election, having not done so since 1997.

Heather Humphreys is expected to land the Fine Gael nomination following the withdrawal of Mairead McGuinness, however, Seán Kelly is also in contention.

Former taoiseach Bertie Ahern had been linked with Fianna Fáil's nomination, and sources suggested he had support within the party.

However, the Fianna Fáil leadership is not in favour of nominating Mr Ahern, The Irish Times reports, citing figures familiar with the thinking of Taoiseach Micheál Martin.

Mr Gavin would present a more popular option.

He led Dublin to six All-Ireland senior titles during his time at the helm, Mr Gavin is also a qualified pilot and he has some experience in public service. In 2022, Mr Gavin was appointed to chair a citizen's assembly on a directly elected mayor for Dublin.

Since 2023, Mr Gavin has served as the chairperson of the North-East Inner City Taskforce.

Former minister Mary Hanafin was the first Fianna Fáil figure to declare her interest in the party's nomination but, like Mr Ahern, she is not believed to be favoured among Fianna Fáil's leadership.

Some party figures have suggested Mr Martin would be Fianna Fáil's best chance of winning the presidential election, which must be held before November 11th.

Catherine Connolly is running as an Independent candidate and was the favourite before Ms Humphreys emerged as the likely Fine Gael candidate.

Amid the speculation, bookmakers Boyle Sports have installed Mr Gavin as third favourite to be the next President, with odds of 5/1. Heather Humphreys is still the favourite followed by Catherine Connolly.

Sinn Féin has not yet decided whether to field its own presidential candidate or back another, Mary Lou McDonald said.

The Dublin TD said she has been thinking about things “on a personal level”, but added that she has also been listening to the party on its views.

Asked whether the party had made its decision on whether to run its own candidate, Ms McDonald said: “Well, look, we’re still in the process of deliberation.

“We have essentially two options. To stand a Sinn Féin candidate or to back another, and the party is still talking about that.

“It’s August now. In September, we’ll make that call.

“Well, I’ve obviously been thinking about things on a personal level, but more importantly, I’ve been leading and involved in and listening to the party conversation.”