Mr. Kelly expressed regret in not pursuing the Fine Gael candidacy for the presidency, as it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. He concluded that he is content with his current work in Europe, where he received significant support in the past elections. After discussing with his family, which supported whatever decision he took, he determined that continuing his European responsibilities was the best choice. Although he acknowledged the presidency is the highest political honor in Ireland, he sees it as a largely ceremonial position with limited power.
"Reluctantly I will not be running, leaving the Fine Gael nomination open for former EU Commissioner, Mairead McGuinness."
"I said, 'I am'. Would I be happier spending seven years in the Áras... And I said, 'Perhaps not'."
"Having consulted with my family, who were 100pc behind whatever decision I was willing to take, I think the best thing is... to continue the work I've been doing in Europe."
"It's the highest political honor you can get in Ireland, but when I looked at it deeply, it's largely a ceremonial role."
Collection
[
|
...
]