Former presidential candidate Jim Gavin, speaking to the media after a debate on The Week in Politics at RTÉ's studios in Dublin, on Sunday. Photograph: Conor O'Mearain/ PA Wire
Aug 24th: Texts began circulating among backbench Fianna Fáil TDs that party leader Micheál Martin’s preferred candidate was former Dublin GAA manager Jim Gavin. Martin later revealed he met Gavin on several occasions in July after several people had suggested his name.
Aug 26th: Columnist and former government adviser Gerry Howlin said he had to Google Gavin to find out about him, signalling his reach did not extend beyond the GAA. He and former Fianna Fáil adviser Derek Mooney cautioned about choosing a candidate with no experience of politics or law.
Aug 27th: Senior sources in the party confirmed they expected Gavin to enter the race.
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