Fine Gael will reopen nominations for its presidential candidate following a meeting of its Executive Council tonight, after Mairead McGuinness withdrew from the race last week on medical advice.
The party announced that nominations will open at noon tomorrow and remain available for two weeks, requiring potential candidates to secure backing from 20 Parliamentary Party members, 25 Fine Gael councillors, and five Executive Council members.
Tánaiste Simon Harris confirmed the timeline, stating: “This will enable us to have a candidate in place by mid-September, in plenty of time for the election in the weeks ahead.”
Two prominent Fine Gael figures have emerged as likely contenders. MEP Sean Kelly, who previously “reluctantly” withdrew to allow McGuinness an uncontested nomination, confirmed he is “enthusiastically” reconsidering his position. Sources indicate the Kerry politician is determined to seek the nomination this time.
Former minister Heather Humphreys has also signaled her interest in running, with senior party sources suggesting she is the preferred choice among the party’s top tier. Party headquarters would ideally prefer a single nominee to emerge, similar to McGuinness’s uncontested selection.
However, Kelly appears committed to forcing a contest, telling supporters he believes he has “a lot to offer as a presidential candidate.” If multiple candidates emerge, Fine Gael will conduct hustings across the country before holding an electoral college vote among members with over two years’ party membership.
The party’s electoral college system weights voting power toward the parliamentary party. MEP Regina Doherty acknowledged the appeal of a contested nomination but noted the “tight” timeframe for organizing such a process.
Harris had previously expressed support for internal contests for major nominations, making a competitive race increasingly likely as the party scrambles to replace McGuinness ahead of the presidential election.