Minister Chambers Addresses Jim Gavin’s Withdrawal from Election

Minister Jack Chambers provided insights into the timeline surrounding Jim Gavin’s decision to withdraw from the presidential election, a move that has sparked significant controversy within Fianna Fáil. Gavin, the party’s candidate, announced his withdrawal during a dramatic statement at 22:30 on Sunday night after failing to address allegations regarding an unpaid debt to a tenant.

Reports surfaced following Gavin’s appearance on RTÉ’s *The Week in Politics*, where he faced questions about a €3,300 rental overpayment that he allegedly failed to refund over a decade ago. This revelation has plunged the party into a crisis, raising concerns about the selection process and the judgment of its leadership.

Chambers Responds to Criticism

As the director of elections for Fianna Fáil, Chambers has faced criticism from some party members regarding the pressure exerted to support Gavin’s candidacy. During an interview on Claire Byrne‘s show, he clarified that the party was first informed about the tenant issue on Saturday, the day before Gavin’s withdrawal. However, it has been reported by the Irish Independent that the party was made aware of this matter as early as September 2023, prior to Gavin’s formal selection as candidate.

Chambers stated that during the September discussions, Gavin was asked if he had any tenant-related issues and claimed that he had no recollection of any such problem. “He said he had no recollection and no issue with a tenant. And obviously that’s not the case. So facts changed for him in relation to it,” Chambers remarked.

Questions of Accountability

While addressing the media, Chambers refrained from confirming whether an external firm was engaged to assist with the due diligence process regarding Gavin’s candidacy. He declined to accept any responsibility for the mismanagement surrounding the botched bid for the Aras and called on Gavin to repay the outstanding money to the tenant.

This unfolding situation not only raises questions about Gavin’s candidacy but also poses challenges for Fianna Fáil as it seeks to regain stability in the wake of this incident. The party now faces scrutiny over its internal processes and the decision-making that led to Gavin’s initial nomination.

As the situation develops, the implications for Fianna Fáil and its leadership will likely continue to evolve, with many members calling for greater transparency and accountability within the party.