Fine Gael MEP Sean Kelly has withdrawn from the party’s presidential nomination race, admitting he could not secure the support of 20 Oireachtas members.
In a statement today, the Ireland South representative said he had been “humbled” by the backing he received from grassroots members, councillors, and colleagues, but ultimately did not have the numbers to contest the selection process.
“I was humbled by the level of support for my candidacy, particularly at grassroots level,” Kelly said.
“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 noted that while he believed an internal contest would have been “good and healthy for the party,” the required level of parliamentary backing was not forthcoming.
“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,” he said.
“I have therefore, reluctantly, decided to withdraw my name from the process.”
Kelly described the experience as valuable, but admitted the outcome was disappointing.
“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,” he said.
The MEP confirmed that he will now return to Brussels to continue his work at the European Parliament, while pledging his support to former Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys, who is now expected to become the party’s presidential candidate.
“Guím gach rath ar Heather Humphreys don feachtas atá le teacht,” he said.
“Is sár-iarrthóir í agus tabharfaidh mé gach cabhair di chun an tUachtaránacht a bhuachan di féin agus don pháirtí.”
Kelly was first elected to the European Parliament in 2009 and has since served as Fine Gael’s MEP for Ireland South.
The Presidential election is expected to take place in the autumn, with incumbent Michael D. Higgins not seeking another term after serving two seven-year terms.