MEP Seán Kelly has indicated that he will “most likely reconsider” entering the presidential race, especially “in light of Mairead \[McGuinness’] unfortunate withdrawal”, reports RTE.
This follows the announcement by former Fine Gael MEP Frances Fitzgerald, who confirmed she will not be contesting the Presidential Election for the party.
Fitzgerald, who previously served as justice minister, stated that her stance remains unchanged despite McGuinness stepping down.
“I made the decision not to contest then, and I won’t be seeking a nomination,” reports RTE.
Independent TD Michael Healy-Rae voiced his full support for Fine Gael’s Heather Humphreys this afternoon, saying he would back her “wholeheartedly” in the presidential race.
He called Ms Humphreys an “excellent candidate” in response to Ms McGuinness’ unexpected decision to withdraw, reports RTE.
Mr Healy-Rae stated he would be “100% in her favour”, praising Humphreys as a “highly capable lady”.
He added that Humphreys could rally support from beyond Fine Gael, appealing to a more diverse electorate, reports RTE.
According to him, there are “people up and down the country, from all parties and none” who would back Ms Humphreys.
He credited her political record, her policy positions, her composure, and the manner in which she handled questions as significant advantages, reports RTE.
Ms Humphreys is perceived as a candidate who could attract cross-party support.
Though she retired from political life last year to spend more time with her family, it’s believed that she is now reassessing her options.
Efforts have been made to reach out to the former Cavan-Monaghan TD for comment, reports RTE.
Sources within Fine Gael suggest the party will likely put forward a new candidate for the presidency.
Ms McGuinness attributed her decision to withdraw to issues related to her health.
Fine Gael’s Executive Council is expected to convene within the next few days to map out its strategy, reports RTE.
There appears to be a consensus that a new nominee will be chosen to represent the party.
One ex-minister remarked that Fine Gael “should definitely” nominate someone else, while another said it was “likely, but not certain”.
Seán Kelly remains among those who have previously been linked with a potential run, reports RTE.
Independent TD and declared presidential contender Catherine Connolly reacted to McGuinness’ announcement, calling it shocking and offering her best wishes.
Connolly emphasized that her early declaration was intentional, allowing for thorough public scrutiny, and she has no regrets about it, reports RTE.
Tánaiste Simon Harris noted the level of surprise within Fine Gael after Ms McGuinness revealed she was stepping away due to health concerns.
In her official statement released yesterday, McGuinness clarified that the decision was made after a recent hospital stay and was not reached lightly.
Harris praised McGuinness as a “great colleague” and “great friend”, commending her dedicated service to both party and country, reports RTE.
He stressed that while she had been diligently preparing for the campaign, her health had to take precedence.
“It’s absolutely crystal clear that on the basis of health advice, she is making the right decision,” Mr Harris said, reports RTE.
McGuinness stated that her decision followed medical advice, and it was the “right decision” for her and her loved ones.
“My priority now is my health. Given that the election is in a short couple of months, I do not believe that I have the strength to give the campaign my all,” she said in a statement yesterday, reports RTE.
Mr Harris said Fine Gael will bring together its executive council shortly to determine the party’s direction regarding a potential candidate, reports RTE.
Martin Heydon, Fine Gael’s Director of Elections for the upcoming vote, confirmed in a statement yesterday that this meeting will take place soon.
Catherine Connolly added that it’s still early days to talk about her lead in the race, reports RTE.
Nonetheless, she said initial feedback from the public has been very encouraging, and she plans to campaign consistently each week moving forward.
Fianna Fáil has yet to announce whether it will present a candidate, while Sinn Féin continues to evaluate its choices, with a decision expected in a few weeks.
Meanwhile, businessman Gareth Sheridan officially began his campaign for the presidency yesterday, expressing confidence in securing nomination through backing from six local councils. He has already received support from Tipperary and Laois county councils, reports RTE.
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