Mairead McGuinness could get the nod for the party nomination.
Former Midlands MEP Mairead McGuinness is emerging as the heavy favourite to secure Fine Gael's nomination to run for President.
It follows MEP Sean Kelly's decision not to contest for the party nomination.
This morning the Fine Gael MEP for Ireland South Sean Kelly ruled himself out of the running for President, thanking those who had encouraged him to run but saying it's not the right time for his family and that the Presidency is largely a ceremonial one.
His non-candidacy leaves Mairead McGuinness as the clear favourite for Fine Gael's nomination - and possibly for the Presidency itself.
Fine Gael's nomination process remains open until next week - but senior Ministers like Jennifer Carroll MacNeill seem to already be lining up behind McGuinness:
As for other candidates - left wing parties met last night, with a number putting forward the idea of Independent TD Catherine Connolly.
It remains to be seen whether they will come together to support one candidate, or whether Sinn Féin or another party could try to get their own nomination into the field.
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