Fianna Fáil party whip Paul McAuliffe has announced the former Dublin football manager rang him this morning to confirm the move.

Jack Chambers told reporters it was his understanding that Mr Gavin will seek the party’s nomination

Former taoiseach Bertie Ahern said he was not ruling himself out of the race.

Cork MEP Billy Kelleher is seeking the support of colleagues in a bid for the Fianna Fáil presidential nomination

Cork MEP Billy Kelleher is expected to seek the Fianna Fáil nomination for president

Ms Connolly, an independent TD for Galway, said she remained “hopeful” that the largest opposition party will support her bid for the presidency.

Former Dublin football manager Jim Gavin is being lined up as Fianna Fáil's presidential nominee, with sources indicating he would have the backing of senior party figures

There are questions over whether senior Fianna Fail figures would oppose a bid by former leader and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.

The Football Review Committee has made a number of proposals that would change Gaelic Football