Broadcaster Rules Out Bid For Presidency

An 81-year-old retired broadcaster has said he will not contest the Irish Republic's Presidential election later in the year.

Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh, in a statement this morning, said he believed it was for the benefit of the country to have a President who is part of the constitutional system.

After what seemed like a surge in support from the people last week, Mr Ó Muircheartaigh said he would consider running.

The former GAA commentator said he had been approached by politicians and would run as an Independent if he were to enter the race.

Speculation that the popular broadcaster might run as an Independent candidate then grew after it became clear that his former RTÉ colleague Gay Byrne would not be running.

Mr Ó Muircheartaigh said he was, "honoured and humbled that so many people from all sections of society should have contacted me offering support and assistance" and he "wished to thank them for their kind offers".

In his statement he said he wished to end the speculation that he might consider running by confirming he did not intend to contest the election.

Meanwhile independent candidate, Sean Gallagher has said he will not be seeking the support of Fianna Fáil.

When it was put to him that, as a former member of the Fianna Fáil national executive, he would be the logical person for the party to support, he replied: "I would welcome the support of all political parties.

"That's a matter for the parties and the electorate."

Mr Gallagher then continued: "The presidency is not a trophy for a political party. The president represents everybody in the country and therefore the debate needs to move away from party politics."

Separately, the divided state of opinion within Fianna Fáil is being reflected in an online facebook discussion group but the party press office said this was not an official outlet.

(LB/BMcC)