Fianna Fáil would be foolish to jettison Micheál Martin |
The Fianna Fáil report into so-called Gavin-gate apparently found that presidential candidate Jim Gavin was asked three times about a dispute with a tenant.
He told party bosses (but seemingly not the taoiseach) that he was looking into the issue, following media interest and intervention of a TD.
He finally decided that he could not continue in the race or believe it fair to ask Fianna Fáil members to support him and informed the taoiseach that he was withdrawing.
In the circumstances, Micheál Martin agreed. Despite the political fallout, it was the right and principled decision.
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Otherwise, it would most likely be an issue throughout the election, haunting the candidate. It had became a point of confusion/amusement for the electorate and an unwelcome distraction for the government.
To Jim Gavin and his family, it was a personal disaster after an illustrious career in the GAA, international peacekeeping and Air Corps.
Being offered the opportunity to be president of one’s country is more than just flattering: it’s an honour and privilege even if you lose.
And the........