RYANAIR boss Michael O’Leary has ruled out trying to land the Presidency and has instead thrown his weight behind Fine Gael’s Mairead McGuinness in the race to the Aras.
The election to replace Michael D Higgins is finally starting to take off with a number of potential candidates starting to emerge.
The date for polling day is due to be announced in the coming weeks with a deadline of November 11 for when it all must be wrapped up.
Popular budget airline boss Michael O’Leary today ruled out checking himself in as a candidate for the plum role.
Asked if he fancied a tilt at the Aras, O’Leary told RTE’s Claire Byrne: “Absolutely not. I think it is the most useless, valueless and wasteful job and I have a useful, valuable job here in Ryanair.
“So I wish well whoever decides to run for President but it sure as hell won’t be me.”
However, the motormouth airline CEO is backing former European Parliament Vice President Mairead McGuinness to become the next President.
The ex-Fine Gael MEP is in poll position to land her party’s candidacy with their nominations process officially opening next week.
The hugely popular former GAA President Sean Kelly – who is also an MEP – is also being talked about as a runner for Fine Gael. However, it remains to be seen whether he will put himself forward.
Party figures say McGuinness has been openly courting the candidacy and she has made several media appearances in recent months in a bid to keep her name in the conversation.
Ryanair boss O’Leary said: “If Mairead McGuinness ran for President I would be happy to endorse her.
“I think she’s been a terrific success on the European stage both as an MEP and Vice President of the European Parliament and as a European Commissioner.”
CAMPAIGN CLANGER
O’Leary previously propelled Fine Gael into the headlines for the wrong reasons the last time he endorsed one of their candidates.
In the general election last year, he launched Westmeath TD Peter Burke’s campaign and made a gag about there being too many teachers in the Dail that sparked a furious backlash.
Despite this, Burke topped the poll and was appointed Minister for Enterprise again in the new coalition.
Meanwhile, Aontu leader Paedar Toibin today revealed that his party are considering backing a candidate and they have held talks with several potential runners.
The Meath TD said he is aware of another party who have also been in talks with a candidate who is expected to announce their plan to run next week.
Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary has ruled out trying to land the Presidency[/caption]
