'They picked the wrong candidate,' insists Laois FF councillor

There is disappointment and dismay in Laois Fianna Fáil over the withdrawal of Jim Gavin from the Presidential race, with some senior councillors believing he was the wrong candidate. 

Laois Fianna Fáil are set to meet shortly to scrutinise the party's Presidential campaign and strategy, with councillors believing the wrong candidate was chosen, and Taoiseach Micheál Martin has some explaining to do.

Laois Fianna Fáíl members were out in force in Portlaoise on October 2, canvassing support for the six-time Dublin GAA All-Ireland winning manager. Little did they know that just four days later, Mr Gavin would pull out over claims that he had not refunded money to a former tenant.

Mountmellick's Cllr Paddy Bracken was succinct but forthright in his opinion about the FF Presidential election candidate selection.

"They picked the wrong candidate," he told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

He suggested that Billy Kelleher, who won the backing of 29 TDs and Senators, would have made a good candidate, as would former Minister Mary Hanafin and former Taoiseach Bertin Ahern.

He was reluctant to comment on the role of Micheál Martin in the candidate selection, but a candidate selection explanation is needed from on high in the party and that may have to be the Taoiseach.

"Obviously, someone will have to explain and I presume it's him.    

Abbeyleix-based Cllr John Joe Fennelly was among those who campaigned with Mr Gavin in Portlaoise. Speaking on the day after Mr Gavin dropped out of the race, Cllr Fennelly accepted that it was a tough day for the party. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

FF canvassers on the campaign trail in Portlaoise with Jim Gavin.

"It is not an easy day for us. There is no point in saying anything else," he said.

He believed there must be a review in the party headquarters.

"It's terribly disappointing and the hierarchy in Fianna Fáil are going to have to discuss it," said the Portlaoise Municipal District councillor.

While he said there was no role for Laois councillors the selection of Mr Gavin as a candidate and were not in a position to back independent candidates due to party strategy.

He said it would be discussed at the next Laois FF Comhairle Dáil meeting, with views expressed at that meeting communicated to headquarters.

As to whether the selection of Mr Gavin was a matter for HQ and the party leader, Micheál Martin, Cllr Fennelly felt it was an issue for the entire organisation. 

As to his biggest concern, he said Laois FF members were out canvassing for the public for votes for Mr Gavin, but did not know about the issue that emerged via the Irish Independent that led to Mr Gavin's withdrawal.

Asked if he felt hung out to dry by the controversy, Cllr Fennelly indicated a sense of being let down.

"When you are a public representative and working as hard as you can for your party, of course, you feel disappointed, but hindsight is a great thing," he said. 

Cllr Fennelly said he never met Mr Gavin until the Laois canvas, but he said he found him to be pleasant and someone who engaged with the public. As to a lack of experience, he said FF had previously run candidates with no experience. 

Cllr Seamus McDonald is the longest serving Fianna Fáil Public representative in Laois, with over four decades in the county.

"I am disappointed in why he pulled out. I know he was down in the polls, but that could change in two and a half weeks to go," he said.

Cllr McDonald was of the view that his party could have looked at other candidates with experience.

"I was a bit disappointed that Bertie Ahern or the Cork MEP Billy Kelleher wasn't nominated," he said.

He said he "would have problems" that Mr Gavin was selected with no experience, and the grass roots of the party were not consulted. He said there was no discussion at Comhairle Dáil level about the selection and he was never canvassed by the party for his views who should run.

"There was no discussion at all before it," he said.

Cllr McDonald also commented on Micheál Martin's role. While he said the Taoiseach is doing 'good work', he expected that Mr Martin would have some explaining to do when he meets with the FF parliamentary party.

Other Fianna Fáil councillors and Sean Fleming TD have been asked for comment.