Billy Kelleher calls for 'urgent' Fianna Fáil meeting over presidential election

James Cox

Fianna Fáil MEP Billy Kelleher has said that a meeting of his party’s parliamentary party should be "convened urgently" to discuss the forthcoming presidential election.

Mr Kelleher, an MEP for Ireland South, added that without a meeting convened soon, Fianna Fáil TDs, Senators and MEPs will not meet in person until mid-September at the earliest.

“To my mind, this is too late in the day for the people who will ultimately be tasked with selecting a party candidate to meet to discuss the issue.

“I contacted the Cathaoirleach of the Parliamentary Party, Brendan Smith TD, asking him to convene a meeting to discuss this most critical of issues.

“In my opinion, Fianna Fáil, the largest party in the Dáil, the Seanad and in local government, should be actively involved in either running its own candidate or facilitating a candidate that represents our values and beliefs as a political movement."

Mr Kelleher's call comes amid ongoing speculation over whether Fianna Fáil will run a candidate in the presidential election, which must be held by November 11th.

Catherine Connolly has declared as an independent candidate for the election.

Meanwhile, Fine Gael look set for a contest for their nomination after the withdrawal of Mairead McGuinness.

Heather Humphreys has confirmed she is considering a run and has considerable support within the party.

MEP Seán Kelly has confirmed he intents to seek the party's nomination.