MEP Seán Kelly says after taking time to consider the possibility of a run for the Presidency later this year, he has decided not to pursue the Fine Gael nomination.
The 73-year-old from Killarney, who is also the Leader of Fine Gael in the European Parliament, released a statement ruling himself out of the race this morning.
"It is a great honour to have been asked by so many friends, colleagues, and supporters to consider standing."
"That support is the reason it has taken me until now to make this decision. When so many people believe you are suited to such an important position, that’s something you have to consider very seriously."
"I’ve discussed this at length with members of my family in recent weeks and months, and we’ve ultimately agreed that entering the Presidential race is not the right move at this point in time."
"I want to thank my wife, Juliette, and my family for their willingness to fully support whatever decision I came to."
Mr. Kelly has been an MEP for Ireland South since 2009, and he also served as the 34th President of the GAA from 2003 to 2006, becoming the first person from Kerry to hold the office.
In ruling himself out, it leaves Mairead McGuinness as the frontrunner to be Fine Gael's Presidential candidate, with the Health Minister all but confirming she'll be the party's candidate.
Speaking this morning, Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said she "can't wait to campaign for her."
Ireland's 10th ever President will be elected in November of this year, with Michael D Higgins leaving Áras an Uachtaráin after fourteen years.
