Kerry grassroots members said to be split over Jim Gavin selection

Micheál Martin and Jim Gavin.

Micheál Martin and Jim Gavin.

Fianna Fáil reaction to Jim Gavin’s selection as presidential candidate has deeply divided opinion among Kerry’s core membership.

The party’s selection process on Tuesday put Jim Gavin ahead of rival Billy Kelleher by a margin of 41 to 29 votes cast by the party’s TDs and senators.