Overview

• Taoiseach Micheál Martin endorsed Gavin at the launch, praising his vision and experience to represent Ireland with pride and authority.
• Gavin pledged to pursue the common good with priorities in youth services, community development and disability inclusion, and to expand events at Áras an Uachtaráin.
• Party insiders say early television appearances were underwhelming and describe a campaign that has yet to catch fire.
• The first televised presidential debate is scheduled for tomorrow night, offering an immediate test of message discipline and media performance.
• Supporters at the event and former Defence Forces leaders cited his leadership from Dublin GAA to UN service in Chad as credentials for the presidency.