A defiant Taoiseach Enda Kenny, displays his newfound mojo, as he gets into his car at the end of his meeting with his Parliamentary Party, at the Keadeen Hotel in Newbridge, Co Kildare. Eamonn Farrell Eamonn Farrell

TAOISEACH ENDA KENNY has said he does not intend to run for President of Ireland.

Making his closing remarks to the press today, after the two-day Fine Gael think-in in Kildare, Kenny said:

I have no intention, none, of running for the office of Áras an Uachtaráin.

He said Michael D Higgins is doing a “first-class job” at representing Ireland both at home and abroad.

Personally, I have no interest other than being an occasional attendee, or visitor at Áras an Uachtaráin. I do not wish to be a tenant of the place.

Higgins has recently softened his stance on seeking a second term as president.

A second term 

When he was elected in 2011, Higgins said he would not seek a second term in Áras an Uachtaráin. However, he has since refused to rule it out.

However, in June, Social Protection Minister Leo Varadkar said Higgins (75) would receive “cross-party” support if he chooses to run for re-election. A number of other politicians have made similar comments in the past.

Should he run unopposed, he would be re-elected without the need for a vote.

In July, an Irish Times/Ipsos MRBI poll found that 58% of people said Higgins should stand again.

With some backbenchers mounting pressure on the Taoiseach to outline his departure timeline, the office of president might appeal to Kenny.

Poll: Would you vote for Enda Kenny for President of Ireland

Read: ‘A change of leadership is required’: Rumblings in Fine Gael that Enda should go>

Read: Fianna Fáil’s call for water charges to be abolished ‘first shot in election campaign’>