Kerry MEP Seán Kelly has withdrawn from the contest to become the Fine Gael presidential candidate.
In a statement issued this evening, the Kilcummin man says it is clear he will not be able to gather the required nominations in the parliamentary party.
Seán Kelly and former minister Heather Humphreys were both seeking the necessary 20 nominations from Fine Gael TDs and Senators to contest the party’s selection process.
Former GAA President, MEP Seán Kelly, had told Radio Kerry last Thursday he was finding it hard to get the necessary support, and in a statement issued this evening, he has now confirmed he’s pulled out of the race.
He says he was pleased to put his name forward as a potential Fine Gael candidate, having been strongly encouraged to do so by grassroots members and local representatives.
He said to have been selected as the Fine Gael candidate for the most distinguished role in our country would have been the greatest honour of his life.
MEP Kelly said he has enjoyed great engagement with members of the public and of Fine Gael, and he was humbled by his support, especially at grassroots level.
He thanked councillors and what he called his 12 Apostles in the parliamentary party for their support.
He says a contest would be good and healthy for the party, but it is clear now that he will not be able to gather the required 20 nominations from the parliamentary party to contest the selection process.
He added he knows this will come as a great disappointment to his supporters, but unfortunately the ball didn’t bounce in his favour on this occasion.
He says he now returns to Brussels to continue his work on behalf of the people of Ireland South.
It means Heather Humphreys will now go forward as the party’s presidential candidate.
He wished Heather Humphreys the best of for the campaign, as she is an excellent candidate and he will help her try and win the presidency for herself and for the party.
