Lips remain sealed on whether Aidan O'Mahony will run for Fine Gael 

TD Brendan Griffin endorsed Aidan O'Mahony, saying that he is 'well known and liked'.  Picture: Tyler Miller/Sportsfile

The Taoiseach has remained tight-lipped over speculation his party is courting former Dancing with the Stars winner and Kerry Gaelic football legend Aidan O'Mahony.

Leo Varadkar had sparked speculation on Wednesday when he suggested that one of the former winners of the show could enter the political world.

“Even though I will never be entering Dancing With the Stars, don’t underestimate the ability of people who have been winners to enter politics,” he said.

Senior Fine Gael sources were also silent on the speculation, though the names of former winners Mr O'Mahony and jockey Nina Carberry were those suggested.

It is understood that Mr O'Mahony has been mentioned as a potential to run for Fine Gael in Kerry, replacing outgoing TD Brendan Griffin. 

Sources said that if Ms Carberry is approached, the Meath native could be asked to join the party's ticket in the Midlands-North West constituency. 

The party has two sitting MEPs in the region — Maria Walsh and Colm Markey — and both have indicated they will seek the nomination on March 24.

Asked in Washington if his party has approached the former Kerry GAA player to run, the Taoiseach said: "We've reached out to quite a lot of people from different sectors of life, we are particularly looking for people who are willing to put themselves out there, which I think is really important to politics, but I won't be announcing any candidates anytime soon.

While Mr O'Mahony could not be reached for comment, Mr Griffin strongly endorsed the former Gaa player and told the Irish Examiner: “He’d be a good candidate. Well known and liked and has done valued work as a community garda in Kerry.”