Frances Fitzgerald Withdraws from Fine Gael Presidential Race

Frances Fitzgerald, the former Justice Minister and Member of the European Parliament (MEP), has announced she will not seek the nomination to become Fine Gael’s presidential candidate. After considering her options, Fitzgerald confirmed her decision to remain out of the race, which she initially decided back in April 2023. This announcement follows the unexpected withdrawal of Mairead McGuinness from the contest, who stepped down due to medical advice.

Following Fitzgerald’s confirmation, Fine Gael is now focused on identifying a suitable candidate for the Áras. The party’s Executive Council plans to convene on Sunday to reopen the nomination process. With Fitzgerald out of the running, two prominent figures have emerged as potential candidates: Sean Kelly, another MEP, and Heather Humphreys, the former Minister for Social Protection.

Initially, Kelly was expected to contend for the party’s nomination against McGuinness but had previously stated he would not enter the race, describing it as “the most difficult decision” of his political career. Some sources within Fine Gael speculate that he was advised against candidacy to avoid a divisive contest between two party members. However, following McGuinness’s exit, Kelly indicated that he would reassess his position. When asked if he might reconsider, he acknowledged that he “must reconsider it in light of Mairead’s unfortunate announcement.”

Humphreys, who has also publicly ruled herself out of the race multiple times since her departure from politics, is another name surfacing as a possible candidate. She had earlier cited her desire to spend more time with family as a reason for stepping back. Despite this, support for her potential candidacy remains strong within certain party circles. Independent TD Michael Healy Rae expressed his wholehearted support for Humphreys should she enter the race, describing her as a “very well-grounded person” with broad appeal across the country.

As Fine Gael navigates this transition, the party’s leadership faces the challenge of unifying its members behind a single candidate capable of representing the party in the upcoming election. With key figures like Kelly and Humphreys in the mix, the coming days will be crucial in determining the future of Fine Gael’s presidential ambitions.