Fine Gael MEP Sean Kelly says he isn’t optimistic about getting enough support within his party to get his name on the ballot for the Presidential election.
Sean Kelly, who is from Kilcummin, and former minister Heather Humphreys are both seeking the Fine Gael nomination.
An internal vote is taking place next Tuesday and MEP Kelly says he has enough support from grassroots members and councillors.
However, he says he’s finding it hard to get the necessary support at parliamentary party level.
Sean Kelly says it’s bewildering and disappointing that people that encouraged him to run are now telling him they can’t nominate him:
Sean Kelly says he is also disappointed that fellow Kerry man and Minister of State Michael Healy-Rae declared his support for Heather Humphreys.
Michael Healy-Rae has denied he left Sean Kelly down when he endorsed Ms Humphreys in the race for the Áras, stating Mr Kelly wasn’t in the race at that stage.
Sean Kelly says Mairead McGuinness and himself were the only two in the race up until July.
He says he couldn’t have declared any earlier, having respect for Ms McGuinness and her health issues.
Sean Kelly says Michael Healy-Rae isn’t a member of Fine Gael and he shouldn’t be interfering in the internal process:
