MEP Sean Kelly criticises Fine Gael's selection process for presidential candidate

Fine Gael MEP Sean Kelly said he was “surprised” that he didn’t have more support within the parliamentary party, having been elected since 2009. Picture: Jonathan Brady/PA

Recriminations have begun in Fine Gael over the presidential election campaign even before ballots have been counted, as MEP Sean Kelly criticised the process which saw Heather Humphreys selected as a candidate.

Mr Kelly said the campaign got off to a “bad start”, adding that it was a mistake not to allow a contest to take place between himself and Ms Humphreys.

“I think most people would have welcomed a contest and then whoever would win would go forward and we’d all unite behind them,” he said.

Polling has shown Independent candidate Catherine Connolly is in line to become the 10th President, as Ms Humphreys trails behind.

Mr Kelly had sought the nomination earlier this year, after Mairead McGuinness dropped out of the race, but was unable to secure enough support from the Fine Gael parliamentary party to force a contest.

The party required prospective candidates to receive the endorsement of 20 Fine Gael TDs or Senators, 25 councillors, and five members of its Executive Council.

Mr Kelly said he was able to get the backing of councillors and the executive council, but the parliamentary party mostly opted to back Ms Humphreys.

“I had no problem with the National Executive, I had no problem with the councillors in fairness,” he said.

“The vast majority, certainly in Ireland South, were 100% behind me, but for some reason or another the parliamentary party seemed to close ranks around Heather Humphreys and they thought that was the best way to approach things.

I was unfortunately the victim but I have to get on with it and that’s it.

The Fine Gael MEP said he was “surprised” that he didn’t have more support within the parliamentary party, having been elected since 2009.

“But, you know, that’s politics. I’m not going to let it worry me too much, but from a political point of view its certainly disappointing.”

He said there would have been “learning” had hustings taken place between Mr Kelly and Ms Humphreys.

Mr Kelly said the party should reconsider the process it uses to select its presidential candidates going forward.

I think a lot of people would say it mightn’t be the best way going forward, so that’s something for the future.

However, one source in Fine Gael rejected Mr Kelly’s assertions there was no contest.

“There was a contest, Sean lost it by quite a margin,” they said.

While Mr Kelly criticised the party for the process, he praised Ms Humphreys for her campaign.

“She was in a difficult position but she put in a great effort and she’s a nice lady and I hope she does well. She can’t be blamed,” Mr Kelly said.