Fine Gael MEP confirms he will seek party's nominations for presidency in new ‘circumstances have changed' decision
FINE Gael MEP Sean Kelly has confirmed that he will seek the party's nomination to contest the presidential election.
The party were forced to pick another runner for the election after first choice candidate Mairead McGuinness withdrew due to a medical condition.
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Fine Gael MEP Sean Kelly is seeking the party's nomination for President
Credit: Michelle Devane/PA Wire
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Heather Humphreys is also considering putting her name in the ring
Credit: Getty Images - Getty
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Ireland South MEP Sean Kelly had previously expressed an interest in running for the Aras but stood down to clear the way for former European Commissioner Mairead McGuinness.
The ex-GAA boss reaffirmed his interest in representing the party in the election when McGuinness withdrew – leaving him on a collision course with Heather Humphreys.
The former Social Protection Minister is understood to be the preferred candidate by the party leadership having left politics ahead of the last general election in a shock decision.
Speaking to RTE's Morning Ireland today, Kelly announced his decision to seek the party's nomination and said "circumstances have changed".
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In a statement, he said: "With Mairead having to withdraw, that changed the position – we needed a candidate.'
'I'm delighted and enthusiastic about the prospect of running for president of Ireland."
He added: "As someone who has devoted my life to serving communities across Ireland, as a teacher, as president of the GAA, and for the past 16 years as MEP for Ireland South, I am confident that I can represent the country with integrity, inclusiveness, and a commitment to our communities.
"To be entrusted with that honour would be the greatest privilege of my life."
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The Fine Gael National Executive last night held a meeting to discuss the party's plan for the election, with the party agreeing to reopen the nomination process.
This could see Heather Humphreys and Sean Kelly face off against each other in a nomination process where they would need to secure the support of members to get on the ballot.
Nominations for the party's presidential candidate reopen at midday today and will close at midday on September 2.
Meanwhile, Fianna Fail MEP Billy Kelleher has called for a meeting of the party to be convened "urgently" to discuss running a candidate in the Presidential Election.
The Ireland South MEP said that without a meeting convened soon, Fianna Fail TDs, Senators and MEPs won't meet in person until at least mid-September.
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In a statement, he said: "To my mind, this is too late in the day for the people who will ultimately be tasked with selecting a party candidate to meet to discuss the issue.
"I contacted the Cathaoirleach of the Parliamentary Party, Brendan Smith TD asking him to convene a meeting to discuss this most critical of issues.
"In my opinion, Fianna Fail, the largest party in the Dail, the Seanad and in local government, should be actively involved in either running its own candidate or facilitating a candidate that represents our values and beliefs as a political movement."
Taoiseach Micheal Martin said on Sunday that his party would make its position on a candidate clear towards the end of the month.
He added that Fianna Fail would be making a "contribution" to the election.
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an hour ago
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