‘It's crazy really' – Fine Gael MEP admits main ‘deterrent' in Irish Presidency job as ex-GAA boss weighs up Aras gig
MEP Sean Kelly has opened the door on a tilt at the Presidency — but admitted the 'crazy' seven-year term is putting him off it.
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The Presidential term lasts seven years and can be served twice
Credit: Getty
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A Presidential election must be held this year after Michael D Higgins steps down
Credit: Alamy
Former Vice President of the
However, former
He said: 'I haven't made a decision yet to be honest. I met
'I think they would like it because we had no competition for the leadership.
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'Nominations have to close in about a fortnight so I'll be making my mind up soon.'
But speaking in
The Ireland South MEP, 73, said: 'Some days I'm for it and some days I'm against it.
'The seven-year term is a deterrent, it's a long time. It's crazy really.
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'The Taoiseach is five years, councillors are five years and MEPs are five years.
"Even
"But it would be an incredible honour.'
Former Social Protection Minister
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The Fine Gael veteran said she had 'given it a lot of consideration' before ruling herself out.
Ex-FG Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald has also said she won't go for the gig.
No President has ever been a member of Fine Gael.
In April, Independent MEP Luke 'Ming' Flanagan said he was thinking of running.
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Fine Gael MEP Sean Kelly said the seven year term for a President is a deterrent to running
Credit: PA:Press Association
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Irish Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
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Irish MEP Sean Kelly said he'd like to see an internal competition in Fine Gael for presidency, and he hasn't ruled himself out. Speaking to reporters in Brussels, the former GAA president said he hasn't yet made a decision on whether he will run for the Áras. However, the Kerry politician has had discussions with Tánaiste Simon Harris and Fine Gael secretary general John Carroll about his candidacy. Mr Kelly said it is "an incredible honour" to be considered for such a position, but it's a big decision to make. He said: "Some days I'm for it and some days I'm against it. The seven-year term is a deterrent, it's a long time, it's crazy really. "The Taoiseach is five years, councillors are five years and MEPs are five years. "Even Trump is just four years. Having it for seven is a long time, especially if you are getting on. But, it would be an incredible honour." After 14 years in the Áras, Michael D Higgins will leave in November and an election will take place the same month. MEP Frances Fitzgerald and former minister Heather Humphreys have both ruled themselves out, as there are rumblings that former European Commissioner Mairead McGuiness would be chosen as the party's candidate. However, Mr Kelly says that he believes Fine Gael would like an internal competition, and that party leaderships are "quite open to having a competition."
The Journal
5 hours ago
- The Journal
Seán Kelly has all but declared for the presidential election race
Muiris O'Cearbhaill reports from Brussels FINE GAEL MEP Seán Kelly has not ruled out a potential presidential bid and would like the candidacy to be contested within the party. The Kerry-based vote better said he has not made a final decision if he intends to seek his party's nomination. Kelly, the former President of the GAA who topped the poll in Ireland South last year and secured a fourth term at the European Parliament, wants there to be a hustings in Fine Gael, however. He said he has met with Fine Gael leader Simon Harris and executive John Carroll in recent weeks to discuss the election, and claims they would like to see a competition. 'Nominations have to close, I think, in a fortnight's time, and then you have to declare by 18 July. So I'll be making my mind up by then,' he said. Advertisement 'I have to think about it. It's a great honour, and somebody must do it,' he added, and laughed. Asked what is the biggest reason why he has not declared formally, Kelly insinuated he wasn't a fan of the seven-year term length. 'It's a deterrent. Seven years. I mean, it's crazy really when you look at it. Government has five years, councils have five years, MEPs have five years, Commission has five years, Trump has only four years – thank god.' He added: 'Seven is a long time. Especially when you're coming up in age.' 'One term would be more than enough. Well, Michael D [ Higgins] said the same, but then he got fond of it and wouldn't leave it.' Kelly said if Áras an Uachtaráin was located in Killarney, he would declare in the morning. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
The Irish Sun
6 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
‘It's crazy really' – Fine Gael MEP admits main ‘deterrent' in Irish Presidency job as ex-GAA boss weighs up Aras gig
MEP Sean Kelly has opened the door on a tilt at the Presidency — but admitted the 'crazy' seven-year term is putting him off it. Advertisement 3 The Presidential term lasts seven years and can be served twice Credit: Getty 3 A Presidential election must be held this year after Michael D Higgins steps down Credit: Alamy Former Vice President of the However, former He said: 'I haven't made a decision yet to be honest. I met 'I think they would like it because we had no competition for the leadership. Advertisement READ MORE IN IRISH NEWS 'Nominations have to close in about a fortnight so I'll be making my mind up soon.' But speaking in The Ireland South MEP, 73, said: 'Some days I'm for it and some days I'm against it. 'The seven-year term is a deterrent, it's a long time. It's crazy really. Advertisement Most read in The Irish Sun 'The Taoiseach is five years, councillors are five years and MEPs are five years. "Even "But it would be an incredible honour.' Former Social Protection Minister Advertisement The Fine Gael veteran said she had 'given it a lot of consideration' before ruling herself out. Ex-FG Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald has also said she won't go for the gig. No President has ever been a member of Fine Gael. In April, Independent MEP Luke 'Ming' Flanagan said he was thinking of running. Advertisement 3 Fine Gael MEP Sean Kelly said the seven year term for a President is a deterrent to running Credit: PA:Press Association
