'The goalposts have changed': Sean Kelly to 'reconsider' presidential bid

Fine Gael MEP Sean Kelly has confirmed that he will "reconsider" running for President of Ireland following the withdrawal of the party's candidate from the race. 

Speaking to The Anton Savage Show on Newstalk this morning, August 16, Mr Kelly said he did not give any interviews on the election out of respect as his "complete sympathy" is with Mairead McGuiness. The former EU Commissioner was forced to pull out of her presidential bid due to medical reasons. 

"I didn't look for a nomination the last time but I want to reconsider. Fine Gael will have a meeting now and they're deciding their strategy and then I'll see what I will do after that," said the former GAA president. 

The Fine Gael member added that he will reconsider the potential opportunity "very carefully" before making a decision. 

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"Certainly to say, the goalposts have changed. When circumstances change, then obviously we have to look at things in a different light. 

"Let's see what the National Executive want to do next week and I certainly will be looking then at what they have in mind and seeing the best options for the party, for the country and obviously for my family," he said with regards to running. 

When asked if Fine Gael's Heather Humphreys could potentially be eyeing up a bid for the Áras, Mr Kelly believes "the discussion hasn't started" out of respect for Mairead McGuiness who had "such a trauma all of a sudden." 

On whether he believes he could be successful if entering the race, Sean Kelly declared, "Well, I think in any race you're entering to win it." 

The Irish Presidential Election is due to take place by November 11. A confirmed candidate that is running is Independent TD Catherine Connolly. Businessman Gareth Sheridan is also trying to secure a nomination to enter the presidential race.