Seán Kelly says he is reconsidering Fine Gael nomination for presidential election
The party is re-entering a nomination process for the Áras an Uachtaráin posting, after Mairead McGuinness withdrew from the race on health grounds weeks after securing the party's backing.
Former Fine Gael minister Heather Humphreys, who was also previously deputy leader of the party, is also considered to be in the running for the nomination.
Heather Humphreys (Brian Lawless/PA)
Mr Kelly told Newstalk on Saturday that he had waited to make a statement on the matter.
'My complete sympathy is with Mairead McGuinness. We worked together in the European Parliament for a good number of years
'She was all set to put in a tremendous campaign and hopefully be elected as president.
'I didn't want to say anything, I think she needed the time and space.'
Fine Gael will consider the election in the coming days through a meeting of its executive council.
Mr Kelly said: 'But obviously the goalposts have changed and you have to definitely reconsider.'
He said he did not seek a nomination last time, but added he would 'reconsider very carefully' and 'weigh up all the options' before making a decision.
He added that anyone who enters any race had to be 'in it to win it'.
Mr Kelly said he wanted to see what Fine Gael's executive believed would be best for the party and country, as well as consider what would be best for his own family.
Pressed on whether Ms Humphreys had the backing of the party already, he said he did not think discussions had reached that stage.
'There's no rush, let's take it as it comes.'
Elsewhere in the race, independent TD Catherine Connolly has secured the backing of Labour, the Social Democrats, People Before Profit and a range of other independents.
Catherine Connolly (Brian Lawless/PA)
Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin have yet to decide if they will field a candidate.
Fianna Fáil minister Jim O'Callaghan offered reaction to Ms McGuinness's decision to RTÉ News: 'I wish her well in the future. It's a campaign that's getting exciting – as one would expect as we head towards September.'
Meanwhile, Nutriband entrepreneur Gareth Sheridan is among hopefuls seeking a nomination.
A presidential election is expected towards the end of October, as it must take place in the 60 days before the term of Michael D Higgins ends on November 11.
To be eligible to run, a candidate must be an Irish citizen who is 35 or older.
They must be nominated either by at least 20 members of the Oireachtas or at least four local authorities.
Former or retiring presidents can nominate themselves.
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