Presidential election 2025: Fine Gael MEP Seán Kelly rules himself out of race

Vivienne Clarke

Fine Gael MEP Seán Kelly has ruled himself out of the race to become the next President of Ireland.

The former head of the GAA told RTÉ's Morning Ireland that the decision not to stand had been "one of the biggest decisions" of his life.

Mr Kelly said he had looked at all the pros and cons of the opportunity to succeed President Michael D Higgins, but in the end he decided he wanted to continue his work in the European Parliament.

"An awful lot of TDs and supporters within Fine Gael and outside Fine Gael were anxious for me to run and to support me, but ultimately I had to make up my own mind having consulted with my family who were 100 per cent behind whatever decision I was willing to take," he said.

When asked why he had changed his mind about running, Mr Kelly said he had never made his mind up. "I was thinking seriously about it. And some days I would say yes, and other days I would say no."

The Ireland South MEP said the presidency was "largely a ceremonial role".

"You don't have that much power or influence even though you can dress it up whatever way you like and I like to be involved politically," he said.

A presidential election is expected towards the end of October, as it must take place in the 60 days before Mr Higgins’s term ends on November 11th.

Former MEP Mairead McGuinness is likely to compete for the Fine Gael nomination, while former minister Mary Hanafin is to seek the Fianna Fáil nomination.

Sinn Féin has not selected a candidate yet, with both party leader Mary Lou McDonald and Northern First Minister Michelle O'Neill in contention.

Speaking in Dublin on Monday, Ms McDonald described a “moving picture”, and confirmed discussions with other parties have taken place over a potential joint candidate.

Former SDLP leader Colum Eastwood was also linked with a presidential bid. He told the BBC that people had asked him to consider getting nominated.

To be eligible to run, a candidate must be an Irish citizen who is 35 or older.

They must be nominated either by at least 20 members of the Oireachtas or at least four local authorities.

Former or retiring presidents can nominate themselves.