Overview

• Former Dublin GAA manager Jim Gavin won Fianna Fáil’s nomination in a secret parliamentary ballot, defeating MEP Billy Kelleher 41–29.
• The close margin highlighted unease over Taoiseach Micheál Martin’s preference for Gavin, with more than 40% of Fianna Fáil lawmakers backing Kelleher.
• The confirmed field now includes Fine Gael’s Heather Humphreys and independent Catherine Connolly, with Humphreys set to formally launch her campaign in the coming days.
• Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald ruled herself out, and the party will decide on September 20 whether to run a candidate or support an independent.
• Polling is set for October 24, nominations close a month earlier, and independent hopefuls are seeking local authority backing, starting with hearings at Kerry County Council.