Gavin says vision to ensure everyone has voice in society

Fianna Fáil presidential candidate Jim Gavin has said his vision is to ensure that every person from every section of society has a voice.

Speaking at the launch of his campaign, Mr Gavin said there are communities experiencing difficulties “which are sitting side by side with a rising Ireland”.

If elected president, he pledged to speak on behalf of both sides of Ireland and said he would seek to always “pursue the common good”.

He paid tribute to his wife Jennifer, describing her as the rock of the family.

“It would be deeply wrong to say that the role of the presidency should be closed to people who are not politicians,” he said.

He said his vision is to ensure that every person from every section of society has a voice and he would focus on youth services, community development and inclusion for those with a disability.

Mr Gavin also promised to expand the programme of events in Áras an Uachtaráin.

Watch: Gavin wants to be president who speaks with and for ‘all parts of society’

Taoiseach Micheál Martin, meanwhile, said Mr Gavin has the vision and experience to bring people together and represent the country with pride and authority on the world stage.

Speaking at the launch at the Exo Building in Dublin, Mr Martin said that Mr Gavin has thought “deeply and seriously” about his decision to offer himself to the country “for this next act of service”.

“He does so now with the love and support of his wife, his rock, Jennifer, his son Jude and daughter Jasmine.

“He does so with the united and determined support of the Fianna Fáil organisation across the country,” Mr Martin said, adding that Jim Gavin would “never drop the ball”.

Former Dublin GAA footballer Dean Rock also addressed the launch and said Mr Gavin’s values are based on “hard work, humility and respect”.

Mr Rock added that moulding a team into one common goal was something Jim Gavin did with aplomb.

Sinéad Donnelly, who runs a coffee shop in Dublin’s north inner city, said without Mr Gavin’s help and support she might have shut her business.

Ms Donnelly added he is a” very fair and caring person” who would make a “fantastic president”.

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