Seán Kelly withdraws from Fine Gael contest for presidential nomination

Heather Humphreys is set to be the party’s candidate for the presidential election

Seán Kelly said  he could not reach the required 20 endorsements from members of the Fine Gael parliamentary party. File photo: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Heather Humphreys is set to be Fine Gael’s candidate for the presidential election, after MEP Seán Kelly withdrew from the internal selection contest.

In a statement this afternoon, Mr Kelly confirmed he would be withdrawing his name from the contest as he could not reach the required 20 endorsements from members of the Fine Gael parliamentary party.

“While I am of the view that a contest would be good and healthy for the party and was looking forward to one, unfortunately, after nearly two weeks of engagement, it is clear to me now that I will not be able to gather the required 20 nominations from the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party to contest the selection process,” Mr Kelly said.

“I have therefore, reluctantly, decided to withdraw my name from the process. I know this will come as a great disappointment to my supporters, but I am happy to have put myself forward, and unfortunately the ball didn't bounce in my favour on this occasion.” 

Mr Kelly said he had received “great engagement” from the public and the party, particularly saying he received strong support from the party grassroots.

“I am particularly grateful to councillors across my Ireland South Constituency and elsewhere, to members of the Fine Gael National Executive, and indeed to my '12 Apostles' in the Parliamentary Party for the great support they have shown me,” he added.

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The Ireland South MEP said had he been selected to run as the Fine Gael nominee, it would have “been the greatest honour of my life”.

Ms Humphreys had amassed significantly more endorsements from TDs and senators, leaving Mr Kelly without a path to get on the internal ballot.

With Mr Kelly withdrawing, it now clears the way for the former social protection minister to be the Fine Gael candidate for the presidency. She will be formally selected as the candidate tomorrow, when nominations close at midday.