Jim Gavin has said he has “no regrets” about his failed bid for the Presidency last year.
The former GAA manager’s campaign dramatically imploded just a few weeks before polling day after it emerged he owed a former tenant money.
The Fianna Fáil candidate announced his withdrawal from the race and polled a meagre 7% of the vote.
Mr Gavin has since returned to his job as Chief Operations Officer at the Irish Aviation Authority.
Speaking to Off The Ball, he said he had been “honoured” to be selected as a candidate in the election.
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“It was a privilege,” Mr Gavin explained.
“And yes, very disappointed the way it turned out and it's been tough on the family and tough on my friends and people who are close to me.
“But I got great support.
“So, if somebody asked me would I do it again? I'd have to pause because of that sense of duty and giving back, but I obviously wouldn't, having gone through what I did.
“So, no regrets.”
Catherine Connolly with Fianna Fáil's Jim Gavin and Fine Gael's Heather Humphreys before the television debate at the Virgin media offices at Westgate Business Park, Ballymount. Picture by: Sasko Lazarov/RollingNews.ie. Mr Gavin added when he stood for election he had a “romantic view of public service” following his time in the Irish Defence Forces.
However, he added that he “wouldn’t blame” people if they saw what he went through and decided not to stand for election.
When asked if he would consider becoming President of Ireland without a contested election - something that has happened six times in Irish history - Mr Gavin chuckled.
“No, no, no, no,” he said.
“I'll never do it again.”
After Fianna Fáil published a critical report into Mr Gavin’s campaign, Micheál Martin said he took responsibility and that he was “sorry” for what had happened.
The Taoiseach also admitted that he had heard “gossip” about Mr Gavin and his tenant before his selection as a candidate.
He added that while he had tried to contact him after the election, Mr Gavin had refused to take his calls.
Main image: Jim Gavin. Picture by: Eamonn Farrell/RollingNews.ie.
