Fianna Fáil supporters criticised Taoiseach over 'humiliating' Jim Gavin controversy
James Cox
Members of the public, many of whom identified themselves as Fianna Fáil supporters, criticised Taoiseach Micheál Martin over the "humiliating" Jim Gavin controversy.
In messages to Mr Martin, seen by BreakingNews.ie after a Freedom of Information request, people criticised both the selection of Mr Gavin, and the chaotic nature of his withdrawal over a sum of €3,300 owed to a former tenant.
There was also plenty of criticism for Fianna Fáil deputy leader Jack Chambers, who was director of elections for the presidential campaign.
One person, who said they had previously emailed Mr Martin over rumours of former taoiseach Bertie Ahern receiving the Fianna Fáil nomination, wrote: "He still would have been a better selection than Gavin... what a poor decision."
A lot of the messages were sent on Sunday, October 5th, when the news of Mr Gavin's withdrawal emerged and many people used the word "embarrassment ".
One person wrote: "Dear Taoiseach, I am really annoyed at the imposition of a candidate with no appropriate experience to represent Fianna Fáil in this election."
Another person asked whether Fianna Fáil would put forward another presidential candidate, and suggested former Irish ambassador to the US Daniel Mulhall or former Irish ambassador to Italy Bobby McDonagh.
One voter criticised "appallingly awful candidates", adding: "Most people I know are not going to bother voting."
A "long-standing Fianna Fáil member" wrote: "I must say today has been one of the most humiliating and frustrating days I’ve experienced in this party. In my involvement at Cumann, Comhairle Ceantair, and Dáil Ceantair levels, I cannot defend what has happened regarding the selection of our failed Presidential candidate.
"It is obvious that Jim Gavin was the hierarchy’s favoured choice, and they ensured this outcome was pushed through the Parliamentary Party. Grassroots members were given no voice, no consultation, and no genuine role in the process. What we have now is a decision imposed from the top down, and the result has been nothing short of disastrous."
They added: "This debacle lies squarely with Micheál Martin and Jack Chambers, and I expect their next steps to acknowledge the scale of the damage they have done. Local councils should have been allowed to support independent candidates, keeping the process democratic and inclusive. Instead, Martin and Chambers have manufactured a situation where the only likely outcome is a Presidency for either Heather Humphreys or Catherine Connolly— options I cannot and will not support.
"Their actions have left loyal grassroots members embarrassed, undermined, and in an impossible position. I urge Micheál Martin and Jack Chambers to reflect seriously on whether they can continue in their roles after such a grave miscalculation."
Someone else, who said they are "not particularly political," but "have often voted for Fianna Fáil", wrote: "The lack of due process and judgment on the part of Micheál Martin and indeed Jack Chambers must surely call into question Micheál Martin's leadership, and Jack Chambers' judgement and capability.
"Furthermore - it is clear that Micheál Martin turned his back on Bertie Ahern; and arrogantly dismissed other candidates too - and this is the result - no FF candidate for the role of President
"As said - I'm not overly political in the party sense - but - this is serious - and there have to be consequences - this cannot be brushed under the carpet. It is an unmitigated disaster for Martin, Chambers and FF; and for the role of President of Ireland. Not only was Jim Gavin a horrendous candidate from the outset, the man could not string two sentences together, but look what's left in the race! Either of those to represent Ireland for the next seven year on the Global stage. Diabolical."
In a letter, someone asked for another Fianna Fáil candidate because "I have no faith in Catherine Connolly or Heather Humphreys".
Very disappointed in you Micheàl.
A person who said they have "supported Fianna Fáil all my life" wrote: "I have to say that I am extremely disappointed that the party decided to run a candidate for President which was not widely known in the Fianna Faíl political arena. There are several fine politicians within the party that would have been suitable for the job and none less than Billy Kelleher, a fine politician who I believe would have been an excellent President with a good political background.
"One would have to ask why he wasn't selected to represent the party. The possibility now arises that the opposition may attain the Presidency and if so the blame lies squarely at your door. Very disappointed in you Micheàl."
This was not the only email to mention MEP Billy Kelleher, who sought the Fianna Fáil nomination but ultimately lost out as Mr Gavin was backed by the Taoiseach and Mr Chambers.
Another "traditional Fianna Fáil voter" said it was "clear from the time of Gavin's first interview that he didn't measure up".
One person who also identified themself as a Fianna Fáil voter told the Taoiseach: "We have lost trust in you."
As the Dáil resumes for 2026, Taoiseach Mr Martin was hoping to put the Jim Gavin controversy and a difficult year in the rear view mirror.
However, there is still unrest within Fianna Fáil over his leadership according to multiple sources.
The Taoiseach "takes zero notice of what Fianna Fáil backbenchers say", according to a TD.
In an interview with BreakingNews.ie, Cork East TD James O'Connor said: "Micheál Martin takes zero notice of what Fianna Fáil backbenchers say, that is my personal position, he knows I think that."
One of the youngest TDs in government at 28, Mr O'Connor is not afraid of criticising party leadership and he said "my own personal view is that Fianna Fáil needs to change how it does business".
He added there is still "dismay" within the party over the Gavin controversy.
