Mary Hanafin Withdraws from Fianna Fáil Presidential Nomination

Former Irish minister Mary Hanafin has announced that she will not seek the Fianna Fáil nomination for the presidency. During an appearance on the Brendan O’Connor Show on RTÉ Radio this morning, she expressed her disappointment over the party leadership’s decision to support Jim Gavin instead. Hanafin indicated that she felt sidelined by the leadership, stating, “Unfortunately in Fianna Fáil you tend to learn a lot in the newspapers.”

Hanafin’s remarks highlighted a lack of communication from Micheál Martin, the party leader. She suggested that a simple phone call could have altered the situation, saying, “A phone call would have made a difference . . . I would have accepted that.” Additionally, she criticized the treatment of former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, asserting that he should have been informed directly about Martin’s decision not to back his candidacy for the presidency.

The announcement follows Martin’s endorsement of Jim Gavin, the former manager of the Dublin football team, as the party’s presidential candidate. Martin stated that he believes Gavin possesses the necessary qualities for the role. “I think he’s an extraordinary, accomplished person,” Martin said, emphasizing Gavin’s background as a peacekeeper with the United Nations and his service in the Irish Defence Forces.

Earlier on Saturday, Gavin reached out to members of the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party, seeking their support for his nomination. Martin disclosed that he had met Gavin in July after several individuals recommended him as a potential candidate.

Hanafin’s withdrawal adds to the dynamics within Fianna Fáil, where support for Gavin is growing. Both Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien and Minister for Children Norma Foley have publicly backed his candidacy. O’Brien, in a post on X, praised Gavin’s integrity, while Foley expressed her full support, stating, “We would be blessed to have him.”

Currently, Gavin has garnered the backing of all Fianna Fáil Cabinet members, with the exception of Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan, who has yet to disclose his stance on the nomination. As the party prepares for upcoming decisions, the political landscape within Fianna Fáil appears to be shifting in favor of Gavin, marking a pivotal moment in the lead-up to the presidential selection.