Jim Gavin's dramatic early departure from the race caused ructions in Fianna Fáil and put pressure on its leader. Photograph: Collins
On paper, Jim Gavin could have been an election-winning candidate for Fianna Fáil.
He had name recognition and popularity – in the capital at least – as the multi All-Ireland winning Dubs football boss.
Aside from the appeal of his GAA connection, he had a long record of public service in the Defence Forces among several other roles. In theory, he could have won votes beyond Fianna Fáil’s core support base.
How is it, then, that the Gavin campaign so spectacularly imploded, leaving Fianna Fáil severely bruised and raising renewed questions over how long Taoiseach Micheál Martin will continue to lead the party?
As the election approached, veterans such as former taoiseach Bertie Ahern and ex-minister Mary Hanafin were knocking on the door to run for Fianna Fáil. Even Bob Geldof later said he would have “walked it” had he received the backing of Martin.
However, political newcomer Gavin was identified as a possible ca
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