Taoiseach Micheál Martin endorsed Jim Gavin for the presidency and said Gavin is best placed to represent the Irish people. Several senior ministers, including Jack Chambers, James Browne and Dara Calleary, had already endorsed Gavin. Gavin emerged as a candidate after party members approached him. MEP Billy Kelleher will also seek the party's nomination, and former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has not ruled out standing. Other presidential candidates include Catherine Connolly, Heather Humphreys and Gareth Sheridan. Gavin said he engaged in thoughtful conversations across the party and wider community and called for an active President to unite people and represent shared values.
"Since then, I have engaged in thoughtful conversations with people both in the Party and in the wider community. These discussions have reaffirmed my belief in the unique and vital role the Presidency plays in our national life. Fianna Fáil has a proud tradition of nominating people from different backgrounds, each bringing their own perspectives and experiences to the Office."
"I have been very encouraged by these discussions and the message of Party members in particular that we should have an active President who builds on the great traditions of the Office. "I believe that, in these turbulent times, Ireland needs a President who can bring people together and promote and represent our shared values and interests at home and abroad," Mr Gavin said."
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