Mitchell confirms plan to seek FG nomination for Presidency

Gay Mitchell has confirmed that he is to seek the Fine Gael nomination for the Presidency.

In a statement this morning, he said wished to advance his Christian Democratic ethos in public life and he saw the Presidency as a way of doing this.

He said if this ethos is applied sensibly, "it will help equip Ireland to overcome some of its present economic and ethical difficulties".

The only other confirmed candidate for the Fine Gael nomination is Mr Mitchell's fellow MEP Mairead McGuinness.

There has also been speculation that the European Parliament President Pat Cox - who has applied to join the party - will seek a nomination.