Jim Gavin has been selected as Fianna Fáil’s candidate for this year’s presidential election after winning a secret ballot at Leinster House. The former Dublin GAA manager secured 41 votes against 29 for MEP Billy Kelleher. Gavin said he had enjoyed meeting members across the country in recent weeks and was eager to share his vision with the party. It was Fianna Fáil’s first presidential candidate selection since 1997. Outside of public service, Gavin is chief operations officer with the Irish Aviation Authority, building on earlier service with the Air Corps and the United Nations.