Local Fianna Fáil councillors say Jim Gavin's withdrawal from the Presidential election is a huge blow for the party. There are now just two candidates left in the race - Heather Humphreys and Catherine Connolly. It follows the former Dublin manager's announcement that he was pulling out last night. Fianna Fáil councillors in the Shannonside region have been reacting to the news this afternoon. Longford councillor Seamus Butler says Micheál Martin's leadership has been damaged by the fiasco:
Leitrim councillor Gary Prior believes Gavin's campaign has caused division within the party grassroots:
Roscommon councillor Sean Moylan says he's disappointed with Jim Gavin's decision but wished him well. He also claimed Maria Steen could have received a nomination in Roscommon had she visited the county:
