Former tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald rules out Presidential bid

The former MEP said she had discussed the possibility of her Presidential bid with Tánaiste and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris and has been approached by “many people”.

"I’m very flattered and really want to thank the people over a long period who have suggested it to me but I have decided I won’t be contesting,” she told The Irish Times.

During her political career, Ms Fitzgerald was elected as a councillor, senator, TD and an MEP. She also held the Cabinet positions of justice minister and children's minister.

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Ms Fitzgerald told the Times the reasons behind her decision were “multifactorial” and included assessing the current political landscape, whether it was the right time for her personally and the campaign.

She said she will be supporting “whoever emerges” from the Fine...
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