MEP Frances Fitzgerald keeping an 'open mind' on  presidential election

Former Tánaiste will not contest the next European elections but plans to remain active in politics

It has been widely speculated that Irish MEP Frances Fitzgerald could be Fine Gael’s candidate to run in the 2025 presidential election. Picture: Gráinne Ni Aodha/PA Wire

Fine Gael MEP Frances Fitzgerald has said she will consider running in the presidential election to replace Michael D Higgins.

The former Tánaiste was speaking to reporters in Bucharest, Romania, at the European People’s Party annual congress, of which Fine Gael is a member.

President Higgins is expected to return to Áras an Uachtaráin on Thursday after spending a week in hospital.

Tests found that he experienced a "mild transient weakness".

Ms Fitzgerald announced her intention not to contest the next European elections but has said she plans to remain active in politics. 

It has been widely speculated that the former minister could be Fine Gael’s candidate to run in the 2025 presidential election.

When asked if she would like the job, Ms Fitzgerald said she has not ruled it out and always keeps an “open mind”. 

She said it is “very early days” and it is important to have context in terms of candidates and the local, European, and general election needs to be dealt with first.

However, when pressed further and asked if she would consider putting her name forward when it comes to it, she said: “I would of course, yes.”

She said: “Well, I haven't ruled it out. But you know, I just keep an open mind, I’ve always kept, you know, an open mind on my political career.

“I've often made decisions on short notice, like when I went for my first election way back in 1992, and the same with Europe in 2019."

Ms Fitzgerald said she has had a good five years as an MEP and has enjoyed her role in the EU. 

She said context is everything in politics but she intends to “continue to remain active”.

President Higgins was admitted to hospital last Thursday as a precaution after feeling unwell at Áras an Uachtaráin.

He was kept in hospital and his blood pressure monitored, with a spokesman stating tests found that he experienced a '"mild transient weakness".

President Higgins's medical team has further advised "he put a limit on the extent of the public engagements which he undertakes over the coming weeks in order to facilitate the short period of recuperation that they have recommended”.