Kelly and Daly eye up presidential bids

IT might never happen but should Michael D Higgins decide not to seek a second term as President in September, it could bring two political heavyweights from Kerry into contention for the nation’s highest office.

MEP Sean Kelly and Senator Mark Daly have formally expressed an interest in running for the presidency if the position becomes vacant in November 2018 when Mr Higgins’ term expires.

Mr Kelly and Mr Daly also stated that they have received huge support from within their respective parties and from outside party lines.

However, Mr Kelly said he has no objections to Mr Higgins seeking another term and would even encourage him to do so.

“Mr Higgins has done a wonderful job both at home and abroad, but in the event of him not seeking a second term, I would be interested,” said Mr Kelly, who also said Fine Gael asked him to run in 2011 but he declined.

“It’s hard to emulate the last three presidents but I come from a different background and ultimately it’s down to personality and empathy and being able to connect with people,” said Mr Kelly.

“This is something I’ve always done in my capacity as GAA President and as an MEP.”

The Kilcummin native said his job as an MEP serves as a ‘good grounding’ for the presidency as it links him with various Heads of State and in making international connections.

Fianna Fáil Senator Mark Daly be- lieves his party should have run a candidate in 2011 and that there should be a presidential election later this year with a Fianna Fáil candidate elected by party members.

He added he is ‘humbled’ by party members who have so far approached him and asked him to put his name forward.

“Members of the parliamentary party have asked me to consider putting my name forward and ultimately it’s up to them to decide and I will give serious consideration to putting my name forward at the convention,” said the Kenmare native.

In the event of a presidential race, both men need the support of 20 Oireachtas members, consisting of TDs, Senators and local authorities.

The cost to Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael in running a candidate is expected to be in the region of €500,000.

Should Mr Higgins step down, a presidential contest would clash with the expiry date of Fianna Fáil’s ‘confidence and supply’ arrangement and a potential General Election.