Former Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald rules herself out Presidential race
Former Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald has ruled herself out of the presidential race, confirming that she would back whoever is picked for the Fine Gael ticket.
The race is set to kick off later in the summer, with Michael D Higgins already serving the maximum of two terms (14 years) as the Irish Head of State.
An exact date has yet to be officially announced, though an election must be held within 60 days of the end of the current term, which is October 26. Former Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald has ruled herself out of the presidential race, confirming that she would back whoever is picked for the Fine Gael ticket. Pic: Sasko Lazarov / RollingNews.ie
There has been much speculation about who will run for the seven-year post, with many refraining from ruling themselves in or out as of yet.
Despite being approached by 'many people' to run for Fine Gael, Ms Fitzgerald has revealed she has 'decided I won't be contesting.'
The Limerick served as Tánaiste from May 2016 to November 2017 and has also acted as Minister for Business, Minister for Justice and Minister for Children. In 2019, Ms Fitzgerald was voted as an Member of European Parliament (MEP) and served one term as she didn't contest the 2024 elections. Pic: Eamonn Farrell/RollingNews.ie
In 2019, Ms Fitzgerald was voted as an Member of European Parliament (MEP) and served one term as she didn't contest the 2024 elections.
Speaking to the Irish Times, Fitzgerald revealed she had decided not to put herself forward for the Presidential Elections following a lot of consideration.
'I will be supporting whoever emerges from the [Fine Gael] convention whenever it is held,' she told the publication, adding her hopes that the mould would be broken and Fine Gael would have success in the race.
Other potential Fine Gael candidates include former European Commissioner Mairead McGuinness and Ireland South MET Seán Kelly.
Ms McGuinness was widely tipped as the favourite to succeed President Higgins earlier in the year, with the Louth woman revealing she'd confirm whether she is running or not in May.
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