Taoiseach 'definitely not' running in presidential election as Mary Hanafin seeks backing

Mary Hanafin has written to members of the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party seeking their backing for a presidential run

President Michael D Higgins with Micheál Martin. File picture: Maxwells

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has emphatically ruled himself out of running in the presidential election.

The Fianna Fáil leader had been suggested as a contender in the race for the Áras, but he has now said his hat will not be in the ring.