Taoiseach says Fianna Fáil presidential candidate selection ‘well handled’

By Gráinne Ní Aodha, PA

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said that he believes the selection of a Fianna Fáil candidate to run in the presidential election this autumn was “well handled”.

The Fianna Fáil leader said it was “about the presidency, it’s not about Fianna Fáil” as he argued against criticism of the selection process.

Independent presidential candidate Catherine Connolly has said that the delay from big parties in choosing a presidential candidate was “disrespectful” to the office, while some senior Fianna Fáil figures have expressed their unhappiness.

Former taoiseach and ex Fianna Fáil leader Bertie Ahern said he was disappointed that his party’s leadership had failed to express support for him, while former Fianna Fáil minister Mary Hanafin said “a phone call would have made a difference” from the party leadership.

Asked whether he could have handled the Fianna Fáil candidate selection process better, Mr Martin said: “I don’t accept that at all.

“I mean, there were many experienced people out there. I think this actually was well handled.

“I’m in discussions with a lot of TDs, they all get it by the way, there’s no issue, most people accept fully how this has been progressed.

“There are many, many indications of interest from a lot of people over the last three to four months seeking the Fianna Fáil nomination. Lots of people.”

He added: “Some of you speculated at length, August was not the month to add to the speculation that you had to engage in.

“I appreciate fully the media were looking for more certainty and precision, but I think we’re trying to also to progress this in a manner that we feel is best.

“I always said we would clarify the situation at the end of August. We said that repeatedly throughout the summer, clarity will be brought to this at the end of August, and it was.”

Former Dublin GAA manager and retired army officer Jim Gavin has the backing of Mr Martin and senior party figures, while the party’s MEP Billy Kelleher will also be seeking the nomination.

The parliamentary party will vote for its preferred candidate by secret ballot next Tuesday.

Mr Martin said that there were some voices “distorting the reality” of the party selecting a presidential candidate.

“I’ve had very, very good discussions with TDs and Senators across the length and breadth of the country.

“They understand fully my bona fides and the bona fides of the leadership of the party in endeavouring to make sure that we make the best contribution to the presidency.

“This is about the presidency, it’s not about Fianna Fáil.

“Some within the party comment as if it’s all about Fianna Fáil, it’s not. It’s about the presidency and the Irish people are sovereign when it comes to electing a new president.

“And in my view, we have sought to seek out a person who could bring people together, who would command the broadest degree of popular support, as well as being a person of strong character, and a person who has made a strong contribution to society. And who is very much rooted in community, and we spent a significant period this summer engaging with Jim Gavin in that respect and we believe he fits that criteria.”

Mr Martin continued: “Billy Kelleher is a very fine parliamentarian and he has worked extremely hard in the Dáil and indeed in the European Parliament, but as I say, we have been working with Jim for quite a period over the summer.

“I think he has the capacity to be an excellent president of Ireland in terms of the constitutional duties of a president, and particularly the capacity to motivate, to inspire people and to bring people together.

“That’s what the issue here is, it’s about the presidency. The presidency doesn’t belong to any political party, nor does any individual have an entitlement to the presidency. That’s the context in which I look at this.

“The constitution is very clear. We’ve always tried to keep the presidency out of party politics, and I will continue to try and do that.”