Jim Gavin has written to members of the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party asking for their votes to become the party nominee for president.
It comes after Fianna Fáil party whip Paul McAuliffe revealed this morning, the six-time All-Ireland-winning manager rang him this morning to personally confirm he is seeking a nomination for president.
He's already been backed by Cabinet Ministers Dara Calleary, James Lawless and Jack Chambers.
Speaking to Ireland's Classic Hits Newsroom, Social Protection Minister Dara Calleary, praised Jim Gavin and said, "It's great that we are having a process and I think that's really important that we do have a process. But I think in terms of Jim's interest in community, his work in community and his interest in service. I think he has skills that I'd like to see in a president and I wish him every, every success."
MEP Billy Kelleher has also confirmed his intention to seek the nomination. It's understood he has been ringing and writing to TDs in a bid to secure their support for a nomination.
Meanwhile, Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has said he is not ruling himself out of seeking a nomination for president, after expressing disappointment with the Fianna Fáil leadership for failing to express support for him.
With nominations still open, Fianna Fáil have plenty of names to choose from. But with the election expected in November, the race is only getting started.
