Former Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald says she will not be contesting the Presidential election this year.
She’s told the Irish Times she will not be seeking the Fine Gael nomination to replace Michael D. Higgins.
She says she had discussed the possibility with Fine Gael leader Simon Harris and has been approached by “many people”.
Ms Fitzgerald says the reasons behind her decision included assessing the current political landscape, and whether it was the right time for her personally.
During her time in government, Ms Fitzgerald held the positions of justice and children’s minister.
She said she will be supporting “whoever emerges” from the Fine Gael convention.
Fine Gael, which has never had a successful presidential candidate, could now run former MEP Mairead McGuinness as their candidate.
The party’s Ireland South MEP Sean Kelly, who is a former president of the GAA, has said he will give the matter “serious consideration”.
Other possible candidates in the race could be Galway TD Catherine Connelly and Senator Frances Black.
The next Presidential election is scheduled to take place on or up to 60 days before November 11th this year.
