Fine Gael MEP Seán Kelly has declared his intention to seek his party’s nomination to run in the upcoming presidential election, reports Breaking News.
In an interview on RTÉ’s *Morning Ireland*, Mr Kelly revealed that stepping back from the race earlier had been “the most difficult decision” of his political career.
Following Mairead McGuinness’ withdrawal from the contest, he said the moment had now come for him to enter. “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 \[be] greatly honoured to represent the party and stand for election for president,” he said, reports Breaking News.
Asked why he reversed his earlier decision, Mr Kelly pointed to the changing political context. “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,” reports Breaking News.
A former President of the GAA, Mr Kelly believes he has strong backing from the public and party members. He said feedback from supporters helped convince him that he has the grassroots support and momentum to secure the nomination.
He described the presidency as the “highest honour” one could achieve in Ireland.
“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,” he said, reports Breaking News.
“There’s massive potential there and I will be reflecting on that and looking at ways to make the Áras 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,” reports Breaking News.
Mr Kelly confirmed he would now begin canvassing for backing within the Fine Gael parliamentary ranks. He also said that a contested nomination process would be a positive thing for both the party and Irish democracy, reports Breaking News.
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