Seán Kelly reconsidering presidential bid after McGuinness withdrawal

James Cox

MEP Seán Kelly says he's reconsidering whether to run for the presidency after Mairead McGuinness withdrew from the running.

Ms McGuinness, who had secured the Fine Gael nomination, has withdrawan for health reasons.

Former MEP Frances Fitzgerald has also reaffirmed her position, as she confirmed she will not be putting her hat in the ring.

Seán Kelly, who initially ruled himself out, said the goalposts have now moved.

Mr Kelly told Newstalk: "You'll have to definitely reconsider. I didn't look for a nomination the last time, but I'm going to reconsider.

"Fine Gael will have a meeting now and they will decide on their strategy, and then I'll see what I will do after that."

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

Speaking on Thursday, Fine Gael leader Simon Harris said senior party members will meet over the coming days to consider its next steps.

Ms Humphreys previously said said she was flattered to be considered before withdrawing her name.

“I want to spend more time with family and friends, and I want to do other things," she said at the time.

There was shock in Fine Gael when Ms Humphreys decided not to contest the most recent general election.

The former Cavan-Monaghan TD is still highly-thought of in the party and sources indicated she would be a strong contender.

Independent TD  Catherine Connolly formally launched her bid to become Ireland’s next president last month, saying she wants to “empower people” to find their own voices.

Gareth Sheridan, former CEO of US-based company Nutriband, has also launched his presidential bid. The 35-year-old would become the youngest ever president if he was to be elected.