Kildare politician defends Jim Gavin following shock withdrawal

FIANNA Fáil presidential candidate, Jim Gavin, suddenly pulled out of the presidential election following a report by the Irish Independent in which a tenant of Gavin’s never received €3,300 they were owed when a banking error occurred which took the money from the tenant’s account.

Jim Gavin, who was recently awarded a certificate by Kill GAA club, which made him an honorary member last week, announced the news on Sunday night, October 5.

Senator Fiona O’Loughlin TD who was seen on Sunday with other local reps, including Minister James Lawless TD, canvassing outside a GAA match in Newbridge for Jim Gavin’s presidential election, took to social media that night to support his decision.

She held that Mr Gavin is a “decent” and “dignified” individual, and that his appeal lay in what he has achieved as a “volunteer, an amateur and someone who has dedicated his life to serving his community and his country.” 

“That also means he was not accustomed to the cauldron that is public life,” said Senator O’Loughlin.

“Some criticised him for not being naturally fluid behind the TV cameras. Those of us who had the chance to see him up close saw an incredibly sincere, capable and conviction driven human being.” 

“Jim has accepted that he made an error in relation to this issue which has arisen in recent days. As he himself has said, the office of Uachtarán na hÉireann is the highest in the land and the pinnacle of public service.” 

“His decision to step back now because of this issue (which should never have happened) that occurred 16 years ago, also speaks to the nature of modern discourse where there is no mercy, no quarter and no scope for explanations.” Senator O’Loughlin signed off her message thanking all who engaged with the campaign in Kildare South, and wishing Jim and his family the best.

She said: “We are all flawed and we are all human. Let he without sin cast the first stone.”