Seán Kelly to reconsider presidency race

Ireland South MEP Seán Kelly is reconsidering a run for the presidency following the withdrawal by his party colleague, Mairead McGuinness, from the race.

Ms McGuinness, who had secured the Fine Gael nomination, announced last week she would not be contesting the election because of health reasons. Mr Kelly, who initially ruled himself out of the ballot, said he is now rethinking his decision following Ms McGuinness’s withdrawal.

Speaking to Newstalk last week, Mr Kelly said that while he did not look for a nomination in the presidential election, he is now “going to reconsider”.

“Fine Gael will have a meeting and they will decide on their strategy, and then I’ll see what I will do after that,” he said.

It is understood Mr Kelly is likely to face competition from former minister for social protection, Heather Humphreys, who also initially ruled herself out of the running.