Micheal: Jim is Sam-one we want in the Aras

FF leader endorses former GAA manager to run for presidency

- BY JONATHAN McCAMBRIDGE

FIANNA Fail leader Micheal Martin has endorsed former Dublin GAA football manager Jim Gavin as the party's candidate to run in the Irish presidential election.

The Taoiseach said he believed Mr Gavin has “all the right values” to take up the role, calling him an “extraordinary, accomplished person”.

Earlier, it emerged that Mr Gavin had written to the Fianna Fail parliamentary party on Saturday, confirming he would be seeking the nomination to run.

Several ministers, including the Minister for Public Expenditure, Jack Chambers, had already endorsed Mr Gavin for the role.

Speaking to the media in Co Kerry, Mr Martin said he had had a “lot of engagement” with the former GAA manager.

He said: “In this era, he is the person best placed to represent the Irish people as president.

“I would make the point that on three previous occasions, Fianna Fail has nominated people who never had experience either as a TD or a minister.

“That is very much in keeping with the tradition of endeavouring to keep the presidency above the partisan political realm.”

The Taoiseach said the final decision on the nomination would be for the parliamentary party but he was “very strongly supportive of Jim Gavin”.