Pat Rabbitte open to presidential run but ‘happy to leave challenge to others’

By Cillian Sherlock, PA

Former Labour party leader Pat Rabbitte has said he is open to considering a run for president.

Mr Rabbitte was leader of the party between 2002 and 2007 and served as minister for communications, energy and natural resources between 2011 and 2014.

The Co Mayo man is currently chairman of Tusla.

Asked on Newstalk radio on Sunday if he would rule out running for president, Mr Rabbitte said: “No, one should always keep one’s options open.”

He went on to say he would “entertain” a bid if he was approached by a “broad cross-section of moderate opinion”.

However, he added: “I better kill this quickly before it gathers feet: I am very, very happy to leave this challenge to others.”

The Labour party has yet to formally back a candidate.

So far, two candidates have secured sufficient backing to enter the race.

Catherine Connolly, Independent TD for Galway West, has received the support of the Social Democrats and People Before Profit, as well as independent TDs and Senators.

Ms Connolly resigned from Labour after being turned down to be a running mate of then incumbent TD Michael D Higgins in 2007, and later entered the Dail as an independent.

Mairead McGuinness, who was a TV presenter and farming journalist before becoming an MEP and EU commissioner, is the nominee to become Fine Gael’s presidential candidate.

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.

Meanwhile, The Irish Mail On Sunday reported former chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan has also not ruled out seeking a nomination.