Gavin submits nomination for presidential race as campaign has had 'phenomenal start'

By Cillian Sherlock, PA

Jim Gavin has said his focus is on his own campaign as he submitted his presidential nomination papers on the eve of a “game-changing” Sinn Féin announcement relating to the race.

Mr Gavin was accompanied by Fianna Fáil deputy leader Jack Chambers as he submitted the paperwork at the Customs House in Dublin on Friday, having secured the backing of the party.

Speaking to reporters, the former GAA manager said his campaign had a “phenomenal start”.

Currently, Mr Gavin is competing against independent candidate Catherine Connolly, who has the backing of Labour, the Social Democrats and People Before Profit, and Fine Gael nominee Heather Humphreys also lodged her papers on Friday.

In a brief comment to gathered media, Ms Humphreys said: “The whistle’s blown – and the ball is in.”

Sinn Féin is due to announce whether it will run its own candidate or row in behind Ms Connolly on Saturday.

Speaking in Belfast, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said her party had had a “very good, very thorough deliberation”.

She said: “We will set out in great detail our logic and our rationale.

“This is a very important campaign.

“It is a moment where we have a chance to have a national conversation about the here and now, but more importantly about the future.

“You won’t be surprised to know that for us the process of reunification, Ireland’s future, is at the heart of this campaign.”

Asked if he was concerned about Sinn Féin weighing into the contest, Mr Gavin said his focus was on Fianna Fáil.

Pressed on whether he would be closely looking out for Sinn Féin’s decision on Saturday, he replied: “My concern is on my campaign.

“I’m proud of Ireland, I’m passionate about Ireland, service to the State, serving the people.

“This is going to be the most active and energetic presidential campaign over the next 35 days – so the focus is on me.”

Ms McDonald’s comments on Thursday drove increased speculation around the party’s intentions, with the Sinn Féin leader saying her preferred candidate had “a lot” of Irish.

Additional references to All-Ireland football and hurling finals variety programme Up For The Match cast eyes back towards GAA president Jarlath Burns.

However, RTÉ reported on Friday that Mr Burns had again said he would not be the candidate – having first ruled himself out earlier in the year.

Elsewhere, independent hopeful Maria Steen secured further backing in her bid to secure the necessary 20 nominations from members of the Oireachtas.

Minister of State Michael Healy-Rae, who joined the Government as part of a bloc of independents, said he would sign the nomination papers for Ms Steen in the “spirit of fairness and respect for the democratic process”.

However, he said that signing a nomination paper was not a signal of electoral support, stressing he was “100% backing” the campaign of Ms Humphreys.

Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín had previously said Ms Steen had secured the backing of 11 Oireachtas members.

Independent Ireland leader Michael Collins said his party will meet with Ms Steen to discuss her nomination for the presidency.

The four-TD party had signalled it would consider helping a “likeminded” candidate get over the line if the hopeful had already secured 16 other nominations.