Taoiseach Micheál Martin receives shot across bows from Fianna Fáil backbenchers after tight vote on presidential nomination

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has been delivered a shot across the bow from Fianna Fáil backbenchersFormer Dublin football manager Jim Gavin beat Ireland South MEP Billy Kelleher to be selected as presidential candidateBilly Kelleher vows to back Jim Gavin after losing secret ballot

Taoiseach Micheal Martin (centre left) with former Dublin Gaelic football manager Jim Gavin, who has been announced as the Fianna Fail presidential candidate, at Leinster House in Dublin. Photo: PA

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has been delivered a shot across the bow from Fianna Fáil backbenchers after the vote on the party’s presidential nomination was tighter than expected.

Former Dublin football manager Jim Gavin was selected to be the candidate, with the backing of a majority of TDs, senators and MEPs.