Former GAA president Liam O’Neill has ruled out challenging Michael D Higgins and entering the presidential race which will be decided by an election later this year.
Mr O’Neill, who served as GAA President from 2012 to 2015 and held a variety of roles at club, county and provincial level prior to that, confirmed last week that he was “considering his options” after the suggestion was put to him.
However, after appearing on TV3’s Tonight programme last night, O’Neill ruled himself out of the race.
He said that he doesn’t ‘have the organisational, logistical or financial platform to mount a campaign’.
Mr O’Neill reckons that a campaign would cost around €400k to mount.
Liam O’Neill recently retired as principal of Gaelscoil Tromaire while his wife Aine retired as principal of St Fergal’s in Rathdowney.
Michael D Higgins announced last week that he was to seek a second seven-year term as president but a number of candidates have emerged.
Sinn Fein decided that they will definitely run a candidate which means an election is certain and President Higgins won’t be unopposed.
Other candidates in the mix include political commentator Noel Whelan, Dragons Den investor Gavin Duffy and senators Padraig O Ceidigh and Joan Freeman.
In order to get a nomination to run for president, a candidate will need the support of 20 TDs or Senators or four local councils.
Fianna Fail are supporting Michael D Higgins but are unlikely to impose any sanction on an Oireachtas member if they facilitate an independent candidate.
O’Neill is the second potential candidate to rule himself out in the last 48 hours as Gerard Croughwell also dropped out yesterday.
