GAA defends visit by Fianna Fáil's Jim Gavin to Laois HQ during Portlaoise presidential election canvass

Laois GAA insists that a visit by Fianna Fáil's candidate for the presidency to Laois Hire O'Moore Park represents a welcome that it gives to all candidates, though a GAA rules states the Association shall be non-political.

Jim Gavin carried out an extensive canvass in Portlaoise on Thursday, October 2 in search of votes to become Ireland's next president.

Members of the Laois Gaelic games community played a central role during his canvass around the Laois county town. He met with many local members of the association in the Portlaoise Parish Centre and also met the former Cumann Luathcleas Gael Úachtaráin Liam O'Neill on Portlaoise's Main Street.

He also posed for photographs with a member of the All-Ireland Laois Junior Camogie Championship-winning team, holding a hurl and one of the trophies won by the team this year, accompanied by Laois Fianna Fáil public representatives.

No matches were being played in Portlaoise on the day of his canvass, but the former Dublin GAA manager and player was facilitated in a visit to the home of Gaelic Games in Laois on the Abbeyleix Road. He was accompanied to the stadium by Fianna Fáil TD Seán Fleming and was met by Laois GAA County Secretary Niall Handy. A photograph was taken and published by the media.

GAA members are not precluded from politics, but political restrictions are contained in the GAA's official Guide, which contains the Constitution and Rules of the GAA, and is published by authority of the Central Council. Rule 1.1 in Chapter 1 refers to politics.

"The Association shall be non-party political. Party political questions shall not be discussed at its meetings, and no Committee, Club, Council or representative thereof shall take part, as such, in any party political movement. A penalty of up to twenty-four weeks' suspension may be imposed for infringement," it says.

A Laois GAA statement prepared in consultation with the County Secretary, Mr Handy was issued in response to a query from the Leinster Express / Laois Live about the facilitation of the visit in the context of Rule 1.1.

"Jim Gavin called to Laois Hire O'Moore Park as part of his canvass, and no more than any other political candidate, there will always be a welcome from Laois GAA. I think over the years, politicians from all parties have been the recipient of the hospitality of Laois GAA, whether it be attending matches, purchasing tickets, or having a cup of tea," said the statement.

A spokesperson for GAA HQ in Croke Park said Laois GAA have replied and their response covers it off for the Association.

READ ALSO: Jim Gavin's visit to Portlaoise in pictures

For his part, speaking to reporters during his visit, Mr Gavin agreed that GAA was a 'door-opener'. 

"Of course it is. I am a GAA man - both hurling and football, " he said, adding that he had received a great reception in every parish from the association.

He said he would not be attending a GAA special congress where new rules on Gaelic Football are due to be voted upon.

Fine Gael's Heather Humphreys and Independent Catherine Connolly had visited Laois before Mr Gavin's visit. Neither interacted with the GAA during their canvassing in Portlaoise.