By Dan Walsh
Fianna Fáil’s candidate Jim Gavin has announced he is withdrawing from the Presidential Election “with immediate effect”. In a statement, he said recent days gave him “cause to reflect”.
Mr Gavin said: “I made a mistake that was not in keeping with my character and the standards I set myself. I am now taking steps to address the matter.
“I have also thought long and hard about 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.”
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he fully understands Mr Gavin’s decision and believes “it is the correct one”.
Fianna Fáil’s leader said: “Jim has accepted that he made an error in relation to an issue that has arisen in recent days.
“He himself has said the office of Uachtarán na hÉireann is the highest in the land and the pinnacle of public service.
Speaking during RTÉ’s live Presidential Election debate today, Mr Gavin said: “That matter was over 16 years ago. It was a very stressful time for myself and my family.
“Like a lot of families and couples, we came into financial difficulty at that time.”
Mr Gavin said: “If it happened, I’m very sorry that it happened. I’m looking into it and I will deal with it with urgency.”
So as Catherine Connolly and Heather Humphreys go head-to-head to be the next Úachtaráin na h-Eireann, what happens next?
Will Micheál Martin be forced to resign? And the outcome of Budget 2026 on Tuesday will not help his case! Is partnership government in danger of collapse?
And are the members of Wexford County Council ashamed that they failed to nominate any of the applicants who sought their support?
The Presidential Election takes place on Friday, October 24th and WexfordLocal.com has been advised that Jim Gavin’s name will be one of three on the voting ticket???
WexfordLocal.com 