Contest for nomination within Fine Gael 'good for the party and democracy' — Sean Kelly

Vivienne Clarke

Fine Gael MEP Sean Kelly has announced that he intends to seek the party’s nomination to contest the presidential election.

Speaking on RTÉ radio’s Morning Ireland, Mr Kelly said that his previous announcement that he would not contest the election had been “the most difficult decision” of his career.

Mr Kelly said he believed the "time is right" to put himself forward, after discussing it with family and supporters, in light of the changed circumstances following Mairead McGuinness’ decision to withdraw from the race.

“I'll certainly seek the Fine Gael nomination now, unfortunately, that Mairead McGuinness had to withdraw. And there is a process now by which we can seek nominations over the next five days. So I would be looking for the nomination and after that, and if I'm nominated, I would greatly honoured to represent the party and stand for election for president.”

When asked what made him change his mind, Mr Kelly said that obviously circumstances had changed with the withdrawal of Mairead McGuinness.

“That changed the position. We needed a new candidate. I was the last man standing the last time. So as I said, it was a very hard decision, the hardest decision I ever made. Not to contest, but now that it is open again. I'm delighted and enthusiastic about the prospect of running for President of Ireland.”

Mr Kelly, who is a former President of the GAA, said he believed he had grassroots support and he had been convinced by the response from the public that he had the support and the momentum to get the nomination.

Being president of Ireland would be the “highest honour”, he said.

“I think actually there's a huge potential in the job, it's the highest honour in Ireland. And if you look at what the last number of presidents have done, they've done tremendous work. There's huge flexibility there.”

“There's massive potential there and I will be reflecting on that and looking at ways to make the Árás relevant to people even more than ever before. And also to work hard and to reflect, particularly abroad, the experience I've gained in Europe and to be able to promote it abroad, to benefit tourism and trade, etc. So there's massive potential there.”

Mr Kelly said that he will now start looking for support within the parliamentary party. It was important that there be a contest, it would be good for the party and good for democracy