Cox admits 'uphill struggle' as he confirms bid for FG presidential nod

The former PD launches his campaign for Fine Gael’s nomination, but acknowledges there will be difficulty ahead.

PAT COX HAS revealed Ireland’s worst-kept political secret by confirming he is to seek Fine Gael’s nomination to contest the presidency of Ireland this autumn.

Cox made the formal announcement at a press conference this morning, having been formally accepted into the party fold less than three days ago.

RTÉ News quotes Cox as admitting he would face an ‘uphill struggle’ in winning the party’s nomination, which will be decided by its TDs, Senators and MEPs at a convention pencilled in for next month.

Dublin MEP Gay Mitchell officially declared his intentions two weeks ago, while Ireland East member Mairéad McGuinness has had longstanding interest in the role.

TheJournal.ie‘s full coverage of the Race for the Áras >

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