Cork MEP keeps door open on presidential run

This week it emerged that a Corkonian may be interested in running for the Presidency.

Fianna Fáil MEP for Ireland South, Billy Kelleher, has not ruled out seeking his party’s nomination to run for President. Speaking to RTÉ Radio One this week, the Cork MEP said he had previously been approached as a possible candidate for Fianna Fáil.

“Lots of names were being discussed at the time in terms of MEPs across various political parties and people did approach me at the time.”

“If you were approached, obviously, you would have to give it consideration,” added Mr Kelleher, highlighting though that he wasn’t approached by the party’s leadership on the matter so far.

“I wasn't approached by the leadership, I was approached by some colleagues. They asked me some time ago would I consider it due to the fact that other MEPs from political parties were also being discussed at the time. So that was really, as far as it came in terms of my position or on the candidacy.”

Commenting on potential influence from the party leader in the decision process, Mr Kelleher said: “If the leader has this very strong view about the candidate, clearly the party will take notice of that, but at the same time, you know, maybe others will come forward.”

nswering a question on former Dublin Gaelic football manager Jim Gavin, who is believed to have the support of Taoiseach Micheál Martin, the Cork MEP said: “Jim Gavin - he’s a very fine person. He has great credentials. Many other people have as well. But the point is that we should have that debate, an internal discussion, strong scrutiny of the candidates, and then we will have a candidate that we can present to the public.”

Another potential presidential candidate with Cork links, the creator and former star of ‘Riverdance’ Michael Flatley, has said he has not ruled out seeking a nomination to run in the Irish presidential race either.

The 67 year old, who is best known for bringing Irish dancing to an international audience, said several people had asked him to throw his hat into the ring.

The Cork Independent reported earlier that Peter Casey, who ran in 2018, has declared an interest in running again. Nick Delehanty, a candidate in last year’s local and general elections, has also declared he is running.

Former MMA fighter Conor McGregor has also spoken about running for the presidency but has yet to make a formal announcement.

The election must be held before 11 November.