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
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