Frances Fitzgerald rules out Presidential bid
Fine Gael's Frances Fitzgerald has confirmed that she will not seek her party's nomination for this year's presidential election - despite giving it serious consideration.
The former tánaiste, minister for justice and MEP said she had been approached about the possibility of running but, while flattered, has opted against contesting it.
Ms Fitzgerald said she would support whoever emerges as the Fine Gael candidate for Áras an Uachtaráin.
Among those in the party widely thought to be considering a tilt include former European Commissioner Mairead McGuinness and Ireland South MEP Seán Kelly.
Ms McGuinness has said she will
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Examiner
3 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
Lack of Cork border control post driving up food prices, say TD and importers
A full border control post for the Port of Cork is again being sought to facilitate inspections of agricultural products. Cork East Fianna Fáil TD James O'Connor asked agriculture, food, and marine minister Martin Heydon in the Dáil to consider the move. The Port of Cork Company previously stated that the current system results in higher prices for consumers of products such as bananas, pineapples, melons, grapes, and citrus fruits. Food importers have also claimed at least 2,000 shipping containers of fruit and veg a year, which could be landed in Cork, were being diverted to ports in Britain or Europe, for transit back to Ireland for the required checks in Dublin. Mr O'Connor, who raised the issue in the Dáil, said a full border control post is needed in Cork. It is required to facilitate consignments of food, food contact materials, animals, feed, and plants that are subject to increased import controls that must enter the EU. Mr O'Connor said the lack of a post is severely impacting the growth of the port while causing additional pollutant emissions and increasing costs for importers and consumers. Mr Heydon said the port is designated a border control post for container shipments of wood and wood products only The Port of Cork company submitted a business case to the Department in October 2022 requesting approval for a full post. Organic sector Much of the benefit expected would accrue to the fruit, vegetable, and organic sector. The department considered the proposal and engaged with the company. 'At the time, it was considered that this proposal did not demonstrate a significant increase of trade to justify the investment in terms of exchequer resources required to run a [border control post],' he said. Mr O'Connor also asked if the department would consider granting temporary derogations of three to six months to prevent disruption to seasonal goods imports needing physical inspection. This would give the port greater flexibility to encourage importers to use Cork and boost trade, while avoiding additional pollutant emissions and increased costs for importers and consumers, he said. Mr Heydon said EU member states are required to perform official controls on live animals, plants, plant products and products of animal origin as required under the European regulation. There are four designated posts in Ireland — located at Dublin Port, Dublin Airport, Rosslare Europort, and Shannon Airport. The designation of posts must be approved by the European Commission and necessitates compliance with detailed rules on minimum requirements for infrastructure, professional staff, equipment, and commodity-specific requirements. Mr Heydon said derogations from these requirements are not provided for in this legislation Cork Port is a designated border control posts for bulk consignments of roundwood logs, but is not designated for live animals, products of animal origin, plants, plant products or organic goods. During 2024, a facilitation was allowed for the importation of melons through the port. This was not a derogation from the requirements for post approval. It was a specific facilitation that allows for a very small number of plants and plant products deemed, on assessment, as presenting minimal risk to the plant health status of the EU. The small number of plants eligible for this facilitation is still subject to identity and physical inspections. A similar facilitation for products of animal origin, live animals, and for most plants and products of plant origin cannot be legally provided, he said. Read More Moorepark dairy open day set for July
Irish Independent
7 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Pics show Cork pupils leaving MEP Seán Kelly deeply impressed at their EU ‘Blue Star' achievement
The event marked the culmination of a year-long project that saw pupils from Junior Infants to Sixth Class explore the rich historical, cultural, and geographical heritage of the European Union. Principal Michael Horan welcomed Mr. Kelly, and commended the work of students and staff, particularly 5th and 6th classes and their teacher Kathryn Fahy, who led the project and encouraged their fellow students to learn more about Europe. Every child at St. Brendan's played their part, from learning about EU member states to creating colourful artwork, posters, classroom displays and signs reading 'hello' and 'welcome' in 27 different EU languages. Mr. Kelly was also treated to a rousing performance of Beethoven's 'Ode to Joy' – the European Anthem – arranged and performed by senior pupils on tin whistles, fiddles, banjo, and cello, capturing both the musical talents of the school and the joyful spirit of European unity. In his address, Mr. Kelly spoke about the role of the European Parliament and how EU decisions affect daily life in Ireland. He encouraged students to value democracy, cooperation, and peace, highlighting how their learning connects them to a wider European community. Environmental awareness was a key theme of his visit. 'You are lucky to live in an area rich in biodiversity,' he told the children. 'Every action you take to protect the planet matters, whether it's recycling, saving the bees, or reducing emissions.' Members of the Rathcoole Green School Committee were delighted to share the school's long-standing commitment to environmental issues, and showed the MEP their six Green Flags, and newly installed solar panels. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more Mr. Kelly also addressed the importance of mental health in an age of social media. He commended the school for fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment and emphasised the value of kindness, mindfulness, and open conversations. Wellbeing Committee pupils were very proud to display their Amber Flag, recently awarded to St. Brendan's NS for promoting wellbeing and mental health within the school community. Seán Kelly made sure to take time to speak with all the students, admire their projects, and answer their questions - ranging from his favourite of the GAA codes (hurling), to whether he was putting his name forward for the Presidential elections. Although he dodged that one, students remain hopeful for a future school trip to Áras an Uachtaráin! Before bidding St. Brendan's farewell, Mr. Kelly praised the school's positive atmosphere and commitment to excellence. His visit was a proud moment for the Rathcoole community, recognising both the students' hard work and their growing connection to European and Global Citizenship.
Extra.ie
a day ago
- Extra.ie
What could Miriam O'Callaghan's memoir mean for future Áras bid?
Could Miriam O'Callaghan's soon-to-be-released memoir be a subliminal signal that she might be tipping her hat into the presidential ring? The popular RTE presenter revealed this week that she has penned a memoir which is poised to hit bookshelves in the early autumn, just ahead of the presidential election. And while current affairs host Miriam has previously ruled herself out of the running, her name is frequently mooted with pundits saying she would be a shoo-in to win the race. Miriam O'Callaghan at the IFTA Awards 2025 at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre. Pic: Brian McEvoy The release of her memoir could be a slight indicator that she may be softening on her resolve not to enter the race. Miriam has announced that she will be releasing a memoir in October, admitting that she is 'really nervous' about telling her story. Sharing the news on social media, she wrote: 'At first I planned it to be just about my work as a journalist, but I soon realised it was impossible to separate the personal and professional parts of my life, that's why it's about life, work and everything. Miriam O'Callaghan. Pic: Gareth Chaney/ Collins Photos 'In truth I am really nervous about telling my story, that's probably why it took me so long to write it. All I hope is that people will read it and find it interesting, authentic, entertaining and hopeful.' In fact writing a memoir has, at least in the American and European political sphere, become somewhat de rigueur for election candidates running for office with memoir writing providing an effective campaign tool for presidential hopefuls. Memoir writing has proved an effective campaign tool for presidential hopefuls. In fact the huge success of Barack Obama's Dreams from My Father was considered pivotal in his successful run for the Oval Office. And while Miriam O'Callaghan is already a household name in Ireland, autobiographies offer a deeper insight into personalities and offer readers the chance to know people by their own words and recollections. When contacted this week about a potential change of heart, Miriam was unusually coy. But she has in the past ruled out throwing her hat in the ring for the Presidency.
