Overview

• Jim O'Callaghan said he will support Jim Gavin for the presidency, calling him uniquely qualified after conversations with Gavin and Billy Kelleher.
• Taoiseach and party leader Micheál Martin has already endorsed Gavin, adding to the former Dublin GAA manager’s momentum inside Fianna Fáil.
• Billy Kelleher confirmed he is seeking the party’s nomination, described the Taoiseach’s endorsement as not politically embarrassing, and plans to canvass colleagues nationwide.
• Fianna Fáil MEP Barry Andrews publicly backed Kelleher, arguing the party should value the Cork politician’s electoral experience in the selection.
• Gavin declared his bid and wrote to TDs seeking support, with reporting indicating he currently has the most backing, while Catherine Connolly remains the only confirmed name on the wider presidential ballot.