The Minister for Children, Disability and Equality says she has full confidence in Micheál Martin as leader of Fianna Fáil.
Kerry TD Norma Foley was reacting after Jim Gavin withdrew from the presidential election last night.
The former Dublin football manager made the decision after it emerged he owes a former tenant over three thousand euro.
Minister Foley said it’s a difficult time for the Gavin family, but if there’s a situation where money is owed it must be paid back.
She believes the selection for Fianna Fáil’s candidate was a democratic process, adding the Taoiseach was upfront in backing Jim Gavin.
Minister Foley says she has every confidence in Micheál Martin.
Meanwhile, a Kerry Fianna Fáil councillor says questions need to be asked as to how the situation was handled.
Cllr Norma Moriarty believes the party should have had a broader and more transparent nomination process.
She believes Jim Gavin is a man of great substance, however, thinks he did not perform well during the presidential debates.
Cllr Moriarty says that Fianna Fáil have to learn from this.
