Presidential Election 2025

The blame for this must surely land on Fianna Fail leadership.

The real scandal is not this rent refund issue. Its Jim Gavins candidacy in the first place, and that seems to be on Michael Martin.

JG displayed no ability to perform as a political candidate for high office. His communication was beyond poor, and he couldnt cope with even modest questioning, or deliver his message to the electorate.

Gavin is a good man, with a fantastic record in GAA, and he served his county, and his country well. I think its better that he stand down now -

And all attention should be directed to Michael Martin. If Billy Kelleher wanted to lead the charge on that, i dont think anyone would object.

I asked earlier in the thread about just restarting the whole process…we are one step closer now, I see…

Again, I understand no one can force it… especially 1 "somebody" on a forum, who doesn't like the candidates, as someone else insinuated about my post. And yes, I am not happy with the 3/2 candidates in the race, but I'm more pi$$ed about the Government blocking other candidates from entering, through both the party (TD) nominations and the councils.

But here we are, 3 down to 2

What if we lose another one…or possibly lose both remaining candidates due to "issues"!!

Will Jim still have to clarify his rent money and income declaration from rental income, or will all of this be forgotten about now that he is out?

I mean, no one is fully clean, I understand that, but he should at least make sure he has not left another citizen 3K short, and repay IF this is the case.

Was he a professional landlord or just an accidental one (1 House)…

If it is the latter, I wouldn't be too harsh on Tax, but if the former, I think he should be pursued.

Next hypothetical….I looked it myself and answered below…Just in case we need it

It was the correct decision, no question about it. And he did so in a dignified manner.

The attention should now be directed to those responsible for his nomination.

SSIA account…Are they bringing those back yet…I thougfght I heard something.

Off topic, but I believe every citizen should get this once-in-a-lifetime savings deal…My turn is up, but it's a good practical lesson for everyone in saving with multiple benefits.

I presume they need to reprint, otherwise we all (Who don't want the other two) vote Jim?

Edit - Vote Jim only (No 2nd, 3rd vote so no transfers), it can now be the protest vote (If he remains on the ballot?)

'The blame for this must surely land on Fianna Fail leadership' - I think this is the crucial issue tonight, MM in particular has a big problem!

This is huge really and could over time lead to the collapse of the Government. MM'S reputation is in tatters this evening!! As others have said he bulldozed Gavin through the process and blocked everyone else. Billy K And bertie will be having an extra pint this evening!!

There is going to be ructions in FF now.

Think of the cost that went into printing all those Gavin Posters?

His name is still going to be officially on the ballot.

Billy Kelleher would have been able for this campaign. He may not have won it, but he would have been in with a good shout. Now, FF have nothing..!

I don't see how it could concievably collapse the government. It could lead to MM being replaced though.

How is it farcical? They didn’t know Gavin was going to,withdraw and the constitutionally defined democratic process was followed. Also I’m delighted that Maria “Iona Insitute” Steen did not get on ticket. Country has left these type of people behind and independent TDs should not have backed her.

In a proportional representation ballot, it could open up some problematic scenarios. What if CC wins on the first count, but comes second after transfers. Not an issue in a 3 horse race, but when there are only 2 legitimate candidates then it creates a potential problem imo.

Its absolutely all on Martin. He was seen as having pushed for Gavin, against more obvious choices.

What we lack are specific details on Martins thoughts , FOR Gavin and AGAINST Kelleher et all.

I dont know about u, but I will be watching to see if any FFers break ranks and begin revealing what was said. And what was done, that led to Gavin receiving the nomination.

FF will take a hammering on the polls. As well they should, I'll shed no tear.

I kinda hope Gavin is left alone. Happy for people to disagree with that, but I always admired him as a Dublin fan. And I'm sorry this happened

A celebrity??

Between this and a budget that nobody will gain from unless your on the dole means a snap general election is more than an outside chance

I think MM is fatally wounded now. The only question is, will he serve his full 3 years as Taoiseach, or will he be replaced before?
Don't forget there is a budget out this week, and it won't be popular.

We are spending billions extra, but apparently, workers are getting ZERO, even though we are in a surplus..
Go figure!

Jim O'C will be favourite now to take over I think.