Minister ‘very disappointed’ that Fianna Fáil won’t have a presidential candidate

Donegal Minister of State Charlie McConalogue has said “it’s very disappointing” that Fianna Fail won’t have a candidate in the forthcoming presidential election.

The Minister was speaking after Jim Gavin’s bombshell announcement that he was withdrawing from the race “with immediate effect”, amid revelations that he owes a former tenant €3,300.

Minister McConalogue said Mr Gavin (54) made the right decision to step down as Fianna Fail candidate ahead of the October 24 vote.

“It’s a very disappointing development and disappointing in relation to the fact there won't be a Fianna Fáil candidate on the ballot paper now, but also disappointing as well on a human level in relation to the impact on Jim Gavin and his family,” Minister McConalogue said.

“I think it was the right decision he made given the mistakes that were made and how they were handled. I think Fianna Fáil will have to review the situation and assess what mistakes were made. But overall it's just been very disappointing.”

When asked whether Micheal Martin should continue to lead the party, Minister McConalogue said he has been an “exceptional Taoiseach and an exceptional leader”.

“Everyone in the party at all levels, including our leader, is very disappointed with the situation where we don't have a candidate now for Fianna Fail.”

“There'll be a full review in terms of the management of it all – and it’s important that everything is fully considered – but I think, in terms of Micheal Martin's leadership, he's an exceptional Taoiseach, and has been an exceptional leader.”

“Obviously, all of us within the party will have to reflect on how this process was handled but I see absolutely no issue in relation to Micheal Martin's leadership; he's an exceptional leader of the country.”

READ NEXT: Malin Head records highest gust in the country during Storm Amy

As to who Fianna Fail supporters should now vote for on October 24, with just Heather Humphreys and Catherine Connolly left in the race, Minister McConalogue was non-committal one way or the other.

“I think it's important that people can engage in the presidential election and vote, and make sure to vote.”

“But from a Fianna Fáil perspective now, I think that’ll be part of the review in the next few days, and that's something that we will consider as a party in terms of what approach we take in terms of the continuing contest.”