Jim Gavin has been chosen by Fianna Fáil to contest the 2025 Presidential election after winning the party’s selection convention.
In a vote of the Parliamentary Party on Monday, the former Dublin GAA manager defeated his sole challenger, Fianna Fáil MEP Billy Kelleher, by 41 votes to 29. Gavin had the backing of Taoiseach Micheál Martin and all eight Fianna Fáil cabinet ministers.
Speaking to reporters at Leinster House this morning, Gavin said he was energised by the support he had received across the country.
“I’ve had a great two weeks of visiting the parliamentary party’s members the length and breadth of the country,” he said.
“They’ve got great energy. And I’m just looking forward this morning to putting my view forward towards the party.”
He added that competition within the party was important.
“I think competition is really good,” he continued.
“And I hope to talk to you afterwards. So thank you.”
While Gavin secured victory, Kelleher performed more strongly than expected, with his 29 votes outstripping the 20 or so that many in the party had predicted. The narrower margin is likely to raise questions about the strength of Micheál Martin’s influence within the parliamentary ranks.
Gavin is best known for managing the Dublin senior football team, guiding them to six All-Ireland titles between 2013 and 2019. A former pilot with the Irish Air Corps, he also worked with the Irish Aviation Authority. His achievements with Dublin cemented his reputation as one of the most successful managers in Gaelic football history.
Kelleher, who has represented Ireland South in the European Parliament since 2019, previously served in various ministerial roles. The Cork native has been a Fianna Fáil TD since 1997 and is seen as a party stalwart.
The Fianna Fáil convention result comes as the party seeks to claim the Presidency, which has been held by Michael D. Higgins since 2011. Higgins is due to complete his second and final term in office later this year.