Billy Kelleher: I would have won the presidency and Ireland missed a real choice

The Cork MEP reflects on his failed presidential bid, Fianna Fáil’s future, rising extremism and growing strains in transatlantic politics

Billy Kelleher has wished Catherine Connolly well in her new role, praising her for her first months in Áras an Uachtaráin.

Billy Kelleher has had quite a year.

He may not have initially expected it last January, but the Cork MEP took on the party leadership when he challenged Jim Gavin, and by extension Micheál Martin, for the party’s presidential nomination.