Jim Gavin was selected as the candidate for Ireland’s largest party, Fianna Fail, on Tuesday.

The 54-year-old Dubliner is not a career politician but was put forward as the preferred candidate by party leader and Taoiseach Micheal Martin.

Mr Gavin, a married father-of-two, is most prominently known for his role as manager of the record-breaking Dublin side which won five successive All-Ireland Championships.

Prior to his stint as a football manager, he won the championship as a player in 1995.

From Clondalkin, Mr Gavin’s career within Ireland’s Defence Forces has been cited by Mr Martin as an example of why he would make an “outstanding” president.

His 20-year career saw him take on many roles as a commissioned officer and military pilot, also holding posts such as chief flying office

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