Burns declined presidential election run believing he can 'achieve more' leading GAA

Jarlath Burns also said he could "achieve more transformational change" by returning to being a school principal than by being President of Ireland

GAA president Jarlath Burns confirmed this week that he was approached to run in the presidential election. Pic: ©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo

Jarlath Burns said a belief he could have more of an impact on Irish society in other roles than by becoming President of Ireland led to him turning down a chance to run in last October's election.

Burns has another year to run as president of the GAA. He said earlier this year that he plans to return to his job as principal of St Paul's, Bessbrook outside Newry once his three-year term at Croke Park is complete. 

Burns confirmed to an Oireachtas committee on Wednesday that he had been approached to run for the presidency, the position now held by Catherine Connolly. 

"I have to be honest and say I'm a south Armagh person. I've always lived in south Armagh, I would never ever want to leave there," Burns told RTÉ Radio 1.

"I always want to be involved in something where I feel that I can be involved in transformational change. I don't think the President of Ireland is that type of role.

"I actually feel that I can achieve more as president of the GAA, and going back to be principal of the largest school in the north - St Paul's in Bessbrook - is a place where I can achieve more transformational change than sitting in Áras an Uachtaráin and talking nicely and opening things.

"That's with the greatest of respect to the position of Uachtarán na hÉireann, don't get me wrong, and it was an incredible privilege to be even asked, but it's not something that's on my radar, nor do I think it ever will be."