FORMER RTE star Joe Duffy has ended speculation and ruled himself out of the running to become President.
Duffy, who retired from the national broadcaster just over a week ago after 37 years, had been touted as a possible candidate.
The LiveLine host had said he had not been approached by a party to run following his final show.
Today he put the matter to bed and said: “Thanks, but to be absolutely clear I am NOT seeking a nomination from any politicians, local or national, for the office of President.
“I will not be adding anything further”
On Friday evening it emerged that Lord of the Dance Michael Flatley was considering a run for the office, although he has yet to comment on the rumours.
The star lives in Monaco, but has a mansion in Castlehyde, Co Cork.
It’s unclear if he was to run if he would do so as an Independent or if he has been nominated by a political party, although sources within Fianna Fail have laughed off suggestion he could be on their presidential ticket.
Leaders of opposition parties are due to meet next week to finalise a decision on whether to run a joint candidate in the election.
Housing Minister James Browne plans to announce the date for polling in the coming weeks as he says the public needs to know when the election will be held.
An election to replace Michael D Higgins in the Aras needs to be held before November 11.
People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy said on Friday that opposition leaders are planning to hold further talks next week as he confirmed the idea of a joint candidate is not dead yet.
He told how he was hopeful of a joint left candidate being put forward.
The Dublin TD confirmed that several names had been discussed but remained tight lipped on who they might be.
He was asked if ex-RTE star Duffy may be among the names, and he laughed: “No comment.”
