Fine Gael MEP Seán Kelly Withdraws from Presidential Nomination Race

Seán Kelly, Fine Gael MEP for Ireland South, has withdrawn from the race to become Fine Gael’s presidential candidate after failing to secure the required 20 nominations from the party’s parliamentary members. Despite strong grassroots support and encouragement from local councillors and party members, Kelly acknowledged he could not gather enough backing to contest the selection process. His withdrawal clears the path for former minister Heather Humphreys, who has already amassed significant endorsements from TDs and senators within the party. Humphreys, who had previously retired from politics nearly a year ago, is now set to be formally ratified as Fine Gael’s presidential candidate when nominations close. Kelly expressed gratitude to his supporters, whom he referred to as his '12 Apostles,' and will return to his duties in Brussels as an MEP. The decision follows the earlier withdrawal of former European commissioner Mairead McGuinness due to health reasons, leaving Humphreys as the prominent candidate for the party.