Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said he takes responsibility for backing Jim Gavin as Fianna Fáil's presidential candidate and his dropping out of the race is "a tough day" for the party.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Six One News, Mr Martin said that due diligence was done on Mr Gavin, but that an issue involving €3,300 being owed to a former tenant was "probably buried somewhere in the recesses of his mind".
Mr Martin said he accepts that many members of Fianna Fáil are hurting after the withdrawal.
Amid tensions within the party, he also said he intends to lead Fianna Fáil into the next general election.
Watch the interview in full above
