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.

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Read more on Cox’s declaration at RTÉ News >

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

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.