Sean Kelly has confirmed he will seek Fine Gael's nomination for President.
The Ireland South MEP says he's confident he could represent the country with integrity and inclusiveness.
Last night - Fine Gael confirmed its opened a two week window for nominations for the Presidency after its candidate Mairead McGuiness had to withdraw on health grounds.
Now Less than 12 hours later, Sean Kelly is out of the traps early launching his bid to become that nomination.
He says in light of the changed circumstances - he believes the time is right to put himself forward for this enormously important role - saying it would be the greatest privilege of his life
Now all eyes turn to former Social Protection Minister Heather Humphries to see if she will put her named forward for the contest.
To be nominated, a candidate needs the backing of 20 members of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party, 25 Fine Gael Councillors and five members of the Executive Council.
In a statement, Sean Kelly has said:
In the days following Mairead McGuinness' unfortunate withdrawal as Fine Gael's candidate for President of Ireland on health grounds, I have reflected and given serious consideration to the possibility of seeking the Fine Gael nomination.
After discussing it with my family and supporters, and in light of these changed circumstances, I believe the time is right to put myself forward for this enormously important role.
As someone who has devoted my life to serving communities across Ireland, as a teacher, as President of the GAA, and for the past sixteen years as MEP for Ireland South, I am confident that I can represent the country with integrity, inclusiveness, and a commitment to our communities. To be entrusted with that honour would be the greatest privilege of my life.
I take this opportunity to particularly thank my constituents in Ireland South for their unwavering support over the years and their encouragement in recent days.
I look forward to the nomination process and to any contest that may follow. A competitive selection process is good for Fine Gael, and it will ensure that we are best placed heading into this vitally important election.
