Presidency Race: Gavin has Royal Fianna Fáil approval

Many of Meath's Fianna Fáil county councillors see Jim Gavin as the party's most promising candidate after the former Dublin GAA manager was endorsed by Taoiseach Micheal Martin before the weekend.

Cllrs Stephen McKee, Padraig Coffey, and Mike Bray said they would be supportive of Mr Gavin.

Prior to Jim Gavin and MEP Billy Kelleher (above) officially joining the nomination race, none of the Fianna Fail councillors Meath Chronicle contacted ruled out supporting an independent candidate.

When asked if they would be willing support Bertie Ahern as a candidate there was a more mixed response. Conor Tormey said it depends on the other candidates, Stephen McKee and Padraig Coffey said they wouldn't be in favour of the former taoiseach, Padraig Fitzsimons said yes, and Mike Bray said that while he thought Mr Ahern would be a good president “there’s a lot of other baggage” which can damage his electability.

Cllrs Sean Drew, and Paul O’Rourke did not respond to calls from this newspaper and Wayne Harding did not wish to comment on the presidential election at this time. It will be the 9th September before the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party makes its decision on the issue.