What the papers say: Tuesday's front pages
Eva Osborne
The political fallout after Jim Gavin’s dramatic exit from the presidential election campaign, and how Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Fianna Fáil are handling it, dominates the front pages of Irish newspapers on Tuesday.
The Irish Times reports that Martin will face one of the sternest tests of his long leadership of Fianna Fáil at a party meeting tomorrow amid widespread anger among TDs and MEPs over Jim Gavin’s abandoned presidential campaign.
There is a 'scent of blood' following the Jim Gavin controversy, and Fianna Fáil TDs may revolt against the Taoiseach, according to the Irish Examiner.
The Echo leads with Martin accepting responsibility for promoting Gavin to be Fianna Fáil's presidential candidate.
However, the Taoiseach said he believes his leadership is not in danger, and intends to lead the party into the next election.
Fianna Fáil was told there were questions for Jim Gavin about a specific issue with a tenant before he was picked as its presidential election candidate, according to the Irish Independent.
The Irish Daily Mirror leads with Micheál Martin admitting it was a 'tough day' after Jim Gavin quit the race to the Áras.
The paper's front page also features Stephen Carr saying the Republic of Ireland can get a shock draw in their World Cup qualifier against Portugal at the weekend.
The tenant at the centre of the controversy surrounding Jim Gavin has said he feels sorry for him, adding that the former Dublin GAA manager could have 'sorted this out with a phone call', the Irish Daily Star reports.
Micheál Martin began phoning ministers and senators yesterday after the implosion of Gavin's presidential campaign.
The Irish Daily Mail reports that the Fianna Fáil leader's move was interpreted by some back-benchers as an effort to shore up support ahead of a meeting of the party tomorrow.
A convicted criminal, who fird several shots into a house where there was a child, has been given a 10-year prison sentence at Dublin's Circuit Criminal Court, The Herald reports.
