Jim Gavin will seek the Fianna Fáil nomination for President, the Public Expenditure Minister has confirmed.
While Mr Gavin, the former Dublin football manager, has not publicly addressed speculation linking him to the role, Jack Chambers this evening released a statement in which he said that he “understands” Mr Gavin will seek the nomination.
Mr Chambers described Mr Gavin as a “person of integrity, humility and distinction” with a record of public service throughout his life and career.
“He has my full support to be the Fianna Fáil candidate and I believe he would make an exceptional President of Ireland.”
Mr Chambers is the second government minister to back Mr Gavin, following higher education minister James Lawless. Both men are considered close to party leader Micheál Martin, and their endorsements are seen as a sign that Mr Martin has chosen Mr Gavin to run on behalf of the party.
However, Mr Chambers’ comments come as former party leader Bertie Ahern criticised Mr Martin and refused to rule himself out of seeking the nomination.
Speaking in Glasnevin, the former taoiseach said that he had asked party higher-ups last December if he would have Mr Martin’s support for a run but only received an answer in a newspaper report last week.
“I haven’t ruled myself out,” Mr Ahern said.
“I never ruled myself out. So that means if you don’t rule yourself out, you’re in,” he said.
Both men could face a potential showdown with Ireland South MEP Billy Kelleher, who today told party members that he is formally seeking the nomination.