Gallagher asks Fianna Fáil why presidential campaign 'went so badly wrong'

Three of the most senior and long-serving members of Fianna Fáil are calling for the full report into their presidential election process to be released immediately to members of the party and the wider organisation.

Donegal Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher joins Seán Ó Fearghaíl and Willie O'Dea in making the call, asking “how and why the presidential campaign went so badly wrong.”

Fianna Fáil's 2025 presidential campaign ended after their candidate, former Dublin GAA manager Jim Gavin, abruptly withdrew from the race in October. This withdrawal, shortly after a live TV debate, stemmed from revelations that he had an outstanding debt of €3,300 to a former tenant. In the end, independent candidate Catherine Connolly defeated Fine Gael’s Heather Humphreys for the presidency.

READ NEXT: Three Donegal sports clubs awarded a combined €508,872 in funding

The Fianna Fáil trio said: “Members of the party, particularly Oireachtas members, deserve transparency and respect. We thank our colleagues for their work on this report. They devoted considerable time and effort to the task of examining how and why the presidential campaign went so badly wrong.

“TDs and Senators must now be given adequate time to read the report in full, to reflect on its conclusions, and to discuss its implications for the future of the party at a special Fianna Fáil Parliamentary Party meeting. We need a frank and informed discussion.

“The continued leaking of material from the report is damaging Fianna Fáil’s reputation with the public and our supporters. The leaks have undermined trust across the party. These leaks are unacceptable.

“The leaks point to a lack of candour within Fianna Fáil. This lack of candour contributed to the current debacle and seriously weakened confidence in our internal decision-making. Accountability is now essential if we are to restore trust and credibility.

“We must not allow this ongoing controversy to overshadow the historic milestone that is Fianna Fáil’s centenary. The public expects better from us. We insist that the full report be published now, without any delay. Then the facts can be faced squarely, and responsibility accepted.

“Then Fianna Fáil move forward with unity, and purpose and commence its second century of service to the Irish people.”