Martin heavily invested political influence in supporting Gavin

Fianna Fáil Leadership Battle Heats Up Ahead of Presidential Candidate Vote

The race for Fianna Fáil's presidential candidate is heating up, with two contenders, Jim Gavin and Billy Kelleher, set to make their ten-minute pitches for votes on Tuesday. The parliamentary party vote will take place in the Fianna Fáil rooms in Leinster House, with a secret ballot to be taken after the pitches, and results expected around lunchtime.

If Jim Gavin wins, it would be a clear sign that party leader Micheál Martin has exerted his will over the party. However, a failure for Gavin to connect with the electorate could be damaging for Martin, as it would suggest that the leader may not have the backing of the party members.

The contest was not a coronation for Gavin, as Billy Kelleher ensured there would be a challenge. Kelleher's strong showing could potentially result in a close race, despite the strong pressure being exerted on people to publicly support Gavin. There are a number of undeclared TDs and Senators that could potentially support Kelleher.

Meanwhile, Bertie Ahern, a former Taoiseach and Fianna Fáil leader, has withdrawn from the contest to be the party's presidential candidate. Ahern's withdrawal removes one minor headache for Martin, but his exit has not been without controversy. Ahern spread the blame widely for the economic crash, saying "we were all in it together", but some of the old accusations on his stewardship of the economy and the findings of the Mahon Tribunal have been relitigated. Ahern also took several swipes at party leader Micheál Martin on his exit.

Martin personally supported Michael D. Higgins to become Fianna Fáil's presidential candidate, but Higgins is not in the running this time around. The stakes are high for Martin, as he has expended political capital in his personal selection and backing of Jim Gavin. Another challenge to Martin's authority remains in the form of Billy Kelleher, and the outcome of the vote on Tuesday will be closely watched by party members and the wider public.