Dublin | M10 News Original Report
Fianna Fáil’s presidential candidate Jim Gavin has withdrawn from the 2025 election, citing controversy over his failure to register a rental property with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB).
The announcement came on Sunday evening, bringing an abrupt end to what had been seen as a promising campaign from the former Dublin football manager.
Gavin said the recent reports about his rental property had given him “cause to reflect” on his position and responsibilities.
“When I announced my intention to contest the presidential election, I did so in a spirit of lifelong public service and love of country,” he said in a statement.
“That has always been my sole motivation.”
Gavin said that while he entered the race with integrity and determination, he recognised that the office of Uachtarán na hÉireann must remain “untainted by controversy or distraction.”
He continued: “I always knew the campaign would be robust and challenging, and anyone who knows me knows that I have never shirked from a contest.”
The former GAA manager admitted that he had made a mistake and that it was not consistent with the standards he had set for himself.
“I made a mistake that was not in keeping with my character,” he said. “I am now taking steps to address the matter.”
Gavin also spoke about the personal toll of the campaign and the impact on those closest to him.
“I have thought long and hard about the potential impact of the ongoing campaign on the well-being of my family and friends,” he added.
“Taking all these considerations on board, I have decided to withdraw from the presidential election contest with immediate effect.”
He concluded by thanking those who had supported him throughout his campaign.
“I have been humbled by the encouragement and kind words I received,” Gavin said. “I truly hope people understand my decision and do not feel let down.”
Taoiseach: ‘The Correct Decision’
Taoiseach and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin confirmed Gavin’s decision in a message to party members.
“I fully understand his decision and believe it is the correct one,” the Taoiseach said.
Martin praised Gavin’s record of public service and his contributions to Irish life.
“Jim has achieved an enormous amount in his life, something which was seen by all of us who campaigned with him in recent weeks,” he said.
“His commitment to service and helping others has always defined his character and his great standing with the public.”
The Taoiseach said that Gavin’s decision reflected his deep respect for the presidency.
“As Jim himself has said, the office of Uachtarán na hÉireann is the highest in the land and the pinnacle of public service. He does not want to bring controversy onto this office,” he said.
Cross-Party Reaction
Fine Gael presidential candidate Heather Humphreys described Gavin as someone who had made an “enormous contribution” to Ireland.
“He served in the Defence Forces with distinction and his achievements in Gaelic football are a legacy that will stand the test of time,” she said.
“While I know this must have been a very difficult decision, it is clearly one Jim has made with the best interests of his family at heart.”
Independent candidate Catherine Connolly also offered her support.
“Anyone who seeks to make Ireland a better place through public service should be commended,” she said. “Jim Gavin has made the right decision for himself and his family.”
The Tenancy Dispute
Reports emerged earlier this week that a former tenant overpaid Mr Gavin €3,300 in rent that was never returned.
The Irish Independent also reported that Gavin failed to register the Smithfield apartment with the Residential Tenancies Board, in breach of laws introduced in 2004.
The issue dates back to 2009, when Gavin and his wife, Jennifer, surrendered the property to the bank after encountering financial difficulty.
Gavin’s Response to Allegations
When asked about the matter after RTÉ’s The Week in Politics presidential debate, Gavin admitted he could not provide more information.
“If it happened, I’m sorry it happened,” he said. “It happened 16 years ago, a very stressful time for Jennifer, myself, and our family.”
He said he was still gathering information and would take “comprehensive action” once all facts were established.
“I’m still gathering data and information,” he said. “When I have that, I’ll take action and share that with you.”
When asked how many tenants had occupied the property after the 2009 dispute, Gavin said he was “still gathering data.”
He described the matter as “part of [his] life that [he had] left behind.”
“We lost the flat, and we’ve moved on,” he said. “We just have one property now — our home.”
Defending His Record
Gavin also claimed that many landlords at the time were unaware of the registration requirement.
“The law regarding registered tenancies was new,” he said. “The majority of people did not register their properties.”
The registration requirement was, in fact, introduced in 2004 — five years before the dispute.
When pressed on whether he accepted that failing to register the tenancy was a breach of the law, Gavin replied: “I didn’t register it.”
Despite the controversy, Gavin said he had “always sought to act in honour and good faith.”
Political Fallout
Fianna Fáil sources told M10 News that Gavin’s withdrawal was “regrettable but inevitable.”
One party insider said the issue had “dominated” the campaign in recent days and made it “impossible for him to continue.”
Another described Gavin as “a man of integrity who did the right thing by stepping aside.”
As of Sunday night, Fianna Fáil officials were expected to meet early this week to discuss selecting a replacement candidate.
No timeline has yet been set for that decision.
Keywords: Jim Gavin, Fianna Fáil, Presidential Election, Tenancy Scandal
