Fianna Fáil’s high-profile presidential candidate, former Dublin GAA manager Jim Gavin, has dramatically withdrawn from Ireland’s presidential election race with immediate effect, citing a “mistake” related to an old tenancy issue that fell short of his personal standards.
In a statement released Sunday evening, 5 October, Gavin reflected on intense media scrutiny over his failure to register a Smithfield apartment with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) and allegations of owing a former tenant €3,300 in overpaid rent from 2009.
“When I announced my intention to contest the presidential election I did so in a spirit of lifelong public service and a love of country. That has always been my sole motivation,”
“Recent days have given me cause to reflect on the potential impact of the ongoing campaign on the wellbeing of my family and friends,”
Taking all these considerations on board, I have decided to withdraw from the presidential election contest with immediate effect and return to the arms of my family,”
Gavin emphasised his commitment to public service but stated he did not wish to bring controversy to the presidency.
The scrutiny intensified during a recent multi-media attended interview following an RTÉ presidential debate, with further pressure on RTÉ’s ‘The Week in Politics’ show, hosted by Áine Lawlor, where Irish Examiner journalist Louise Burne repeatedly pressed Gavin on the RTB registration issue, demanding details on tenants and the property’s surrender to the bank. Gavin admitted, “I didn’t register it, yeah,” noting he was “still gathering data” and that the law was “new” at the time.
Despite his withdrawal, Gavin’s name will remain on the 24 October ballot due to Ireland’s Electoral Act, which finalises nominations by mid-September, rendering late removals impossible.
The unfolding of the presidential race has prompted questions of whether electoral reform should be considered to address such last-minute exits. Votes for Gavin may split Fianna Fáil’s support, potentially boosting Heather Humphreys or Catherine Connolly.
