TAOISEACH MICHEÁL MARTIN has said he is “glad” to see Jim Gavin has repaid the money owed to his previous tenant. 

Speaking ahead of the Fianna Fáil Cairde dinner this evening in Dublin, where over a thousand party members are in attendance, the Taoiseach also confirmed that he has not spoken to Gavin since last Sunday when the decision was made that he would withdraw from the presidential race. 

Martin confirmed that he had listened to the recent podcast, where the tenant outlined the situation with Gavin over the years. 

The Taoiseach said: “I think the tenant is also a victim in all of this.”

He said the tenant spoke “candidly and in a very reasonable manner” on the podcast about the case where the money was owed, telling reporters this evening that he was glad the situation had been resolved for all parties. 

Asked had he spoken to Gavin recently, Martin said he had only spoken to “people close to Jim”.

“I think Jim is obviously having time with himself and his family and I think that should be respected. I think it’s been very traumatic for him, and very difficult for him, and for his family, and I’m very conscious and aware of that. We’ve agreed we continue to maintain contact,” he added. 

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Asked about his comments that he plans to vote for Heather Humphreys, Martin said that he will not be instructing his party members how to vote. 

“That day is well and truly gone,” he said, stating that often to do so, can have a counter effect.