Billy Kelleher 'actively' seeking support for Fianna Fáil presidential nomination

James Cox

Cork MEP Billy Kelleher is seeking the support of colleagues in a bid for the Fianna Fáil presidential nomination.

A source close to Mr Kelleher told BreakingNews.ie: "He's actively engaging with members of the parliamentary party seeking their support, and has been happy with the response so far."

Mr Kelleher recently called on Taoiseach Micheál Martin to urgently lay out the party's plans for the presidential election.

When his possible candidacy was put to Mr Kelleher on RTÉ radio this week, he said he was linked with a bid because he “raised the issue of putting in place a process” for his party to choose a candidate.

“People did approach me some time ago, particularly some parliamentary colleagues, just saying would I consider it.

“Lots of names were being discussed at the time in terms of MEPs across the various political parties and people did approach me at the time. But I didn't give it any personal consideration or political consideration.”

Asked if he would rule himself out, Mr Kelleher replied: "If a party approached a person and asked them, obviously you would have to give it serious consideration. I've been a member of the parliamentary party since 1993.

“I've given my life to the party and the party has been very good to me. But the point I'm making is if you were approached, well obviously you would have to give a consideration. But I wasn't approached by the leadership. I was approached by some colleagues.”

He could face competition from former Dublin football manager Jim Gavin. Mr Gavin has been heavily linked with the Fianna Fáil nomination, and is believed to have strong support within the party.

Catherine Connolly is running as an Independent candidate and was the favourite before Heather Humphreys emerged as the likely Fine Gael candidate.

Sinn Féin has not yet decided whether to field its own presidential candidate or back another, Mary Lou McDonald said.

The Dublin TD said she has been thinking about things “on a personal level”, but added that she has also been listening to the party on its views.