MEP Sean Kelly has opened the door on a tilt at the Presidency — but admitted the “crazy” seven-year term is putting him off it.
Michael D Higgins will leave Aras an Uachtarain in November after 14 years in the role — with November 11 the latest date an election can be held.
The Presidential term lasts seven years and can be served twice[/caption]
A Presidential election must be held this year after Michael D Higgins steps down[/caption]
Former Vice President of the European Parliament, Mairead McGuinness, 65, is the front-runner to bag the Fine Gael nomination.
However, former GAA boss Kelly could yet make it a two-horse race.
He said: “I haven’t made a decision yet to be honest. I met Simon Harris recently and he was quite open to having a competition.
“I think they would like it because we had no competition for the leadership.
“Nominations have to close in about a fortnight so I’ll be making my mind up soon.”
But speaking in Brussels this week, Mr Kelly said the long term of the Presidency puts him off the job.
The Ireland South MEP, 73, said: “Some days I’m for it and some days I’m against it.
“The seven-year term is a deterrent, it’s a long time. It’s crazy really.
“The Taoiseach is five years, councillors are five years and MEPs are five years.
“Even Trump is just four years. So having it for seven is a long time, especially if you are getting on.
“But it would be an incredible honour.”
Former Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys last month revealed she will not be running for the Aras.
The Fine Gael veteran said she had “given it a lot of consideration” before ruling herself out.
Ex-FG Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald has also said she won’t go for the gig.
No President has ever been a member of Fine Gael.
In April, Independent MEP Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan said he was thinking of running.
Fine Gael MEP Sean Kelly said the seven year term for a President is a deterrent to running[/caption]
