Fine Gael opens nominations for presidential election 

Mairead McGuinness is regarded as the frontrunner for a Fine Gael tilt at the Áras — but Ireland South MEP Seán Kelly has not ruled out putting his name forward

MEP Seán Kelly said of Fine Gael's plans for the presidential election: 'They’re quite open to having a competition. I think they would like it because we had no competition for the leader.' File picture: PA

Fine Gael is the first party to get its official presidential election process underway by opening nominations today, Monday.

Former EU commissioner Mairead McGuinness, who previously sought a nomination to run for the Áras in 2011, is the frontrunner to be selected as the party candidate.