Halliday decides not to contest presidential election

Peace activist Denis Halliday has reportedly announced his intention not to contest the presidential election on October 22.

Mr Halliday, a former United Nations Humanitarian Co-ordinator in Iraq, had previously suggested that he might contest the election, but reports this morning said he had since ruled himself out as a candidate.

Nobody has formally put their name forward for the election, but President Mary McAleese is widely expected to seek a second seven-year term.

Former MEP Rosemary Dana Scallon has also suggested that she might seek a nomination.