Former high profile RTÉ presenter Mary Kennedy was suggested as a possible Fianna Fáil presidential candidate earlier this year.
A number of TDs put her name forward to party leader Micheál Martin prior to declarations of interest from Billy Kelleher and Jim Gavin.
One TD who brought the former Nationwide presenter's name to the Fianna Fáil leader feels that she would have performed well in the election.
They believe Ms Kennedy was potentially a strong candidate but expressed disappointment that her name now has become public.
"God only knows who has broken confidence in this ... Mary could have done very well," they said.
The revelation comes as the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party is set to meet in Leinster House this evening amid the ongoing fallout from the party's poor showing in the presidential election.
MEP Barry Cowen is flying home from Brussels to attend this evening's meeting which will be held without Mr Martin who is attending COP30 in Brazil.
The party's review of the election is set to be completed this month with several TDs pushing to have it published next week.
Its findings will guide the next steps for a cohort of TDs who are contemplating tabling a no confidence motion in the party leader.
To do so would require the backing of 12 TDs.
