Taoiseach 'defensive' as Gavin report revealed without big surprises

James Cox

There were no shock revelations as the review into Fianna Fáil's presidential campaign was published on Tuesday evening, but Taoiseach Micheál Martin was described as "defensive" at the parliamentary party meeting.

Mr Martin had criticised "inaccurate" commentary ahead of the publication of the report into the selection of Jim Gavin as the party's candidate.

The review found that the party had been asked about possible issues with a former tenant on several occasions before Mr Gavin was officially selected as the Fianna Fáil candidate on September 9th.

Meanwhile, the total spend on the presidential election was around €400,000.

Mr 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.

The former Dublin football manager has since repaid the money. He declined to be interviewed for the review, but a legal representative for Mr Gavin requested an advanced copy before its publication.

The report revealed the Taoiseach’s chief of staff Deirdre Gillane, Mr Chambers, and members of the party's press office were told of a potential problem in the days before Mr Gavin became the official candidate.

However, the report does not indicate when Micheál Martin was made aware of the issue.

The review recommends increased vetting for future candidate selection processes, including interviews with family, friends, former colleagues and "political opponents".

The report did not provide the 'smoking gun' some critics of Mr Martin's leadership had expected, however, the meeting was described as "tense" with the Taoiseach "defensive".

Cork MEP Billy Kelleher, who also sought the presidential nomination, said Mr Gavin had been hidden during the campaign.

Other TDs also said Mr Gavin had been "shielded".