Presidential election: Sean Kelly rules himself out of race 

Former European commissioner Mairead McGuinness is now considered to have a clear run at the Fine Gael nomination

Ireland South MEP Sean Kelly has ruled himself out of a run at the presidency.

Ireland South MEP Sean Kelly has ruled himself out of a run at the presidency.

Mr Kelly, who was elected with a massive 127,000 votes last June, has opted not to contest the Fine Gael nomination race, leaving the way clear for former European commissioner Mairead McGuinness.

Mr Kelly, who is leader of Fine Gael in the European Parliament, said in a statement: "It is a great honour to have been asked by so many friends, colleagues, and supporters to consider standing. 

"That support is the reason it has taken me until now to make this decision. When so many people believe you are suited to such an important position, that’s something you have to consider very seriously.

"I’ve discussed this at length with members of my family in recent weeks and months, and we’ve ultimately agreed that entering the Presidential race is not the right move at this point in time. I want to thank my wife, Juliette, and my family for their willingness to fully support whatever decision I came to."

Mr Kelly said he is enjoying his work as an MEP and continues to be "energised by the enormous challenges facing both Ireland and the European Union". 

"I look forward to continuing that work and fulfilling the strong mandate I’ve been given by the voters of Ireland South.

"Whoever is chosen as the Fine Gael candidate in the time ahead, I wish them the very best of luck in the election and look forward to supporting their campaign however I can."

The Fine Gael nomination process closes next week, and Ms McGuinness is now considered to have a clear run at the nomination.

Meanwhile, a group of opposition parties continues to mull over its choice. 

Following a meeting on Wednesday, it is understood that backing Galway West TD Catherine Connolly is seen as the preferred option by People Before Profit and some in the Social Democrats, but Sinn Féin and Labour have yet to come to a decision.