McGuinness 'has not considered' presidential bid

The Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland Martin McGuinness has said he has not even considered a run for the Aras.

Mr McGuinness was speaking at the opening of the Sinn Féin Ard Fheis in Belfast this evening.

The party's new Ard Comhairle, to be elected this weekend, is expected to make a decision on a candidate.

Dublin Central TD Mary Lou McDonald has ruled herself out with former Stormont Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew a front-runner.

But Mr McGuinness's name has also been mentioned, though he has remaining tight-lipped.

Mr McGuinness said: "I am not even considering anything of that nature.

"The only thing I am considering is what is happening this weekend and the fact that the reponsibility as to whether or not we contest the presidentiaol election will rest with the new Ard Comhairle who will meet towards the end of next week."