Broadcaster Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh has said he is considering running for the presidency as an independent candidate.
The veteran sports commentator, who retired from broadcasting last year, said he would confirm his decision next week after consulting with family members.
Mr Ó Muircheartaigh said he had been approached by representatives from a number of political parties to stand in recent months but would only stand as an Independent.
"There are very good candidates declared already but I haven't approached anyone, I haven't been nominated and it's a difficult job to get a nomination. Maybe, too difficult in the world that we're in today," he said.
Mr Ó Muircheartaigh, who turns 81 next week, said he did not believe his age would be an impediment to being president.
"I think people should remain active for as long as they like. They should remain in employment as long as they feel they have something to offer and I think more and more people are accepting that now," he told RTÉ radio.
The Kerryman began his career for Raidió Éireann in 1949 and retired from broadcasting last September after commenting on the All-Ireland final between Cork and Down. He remains active in a number of charities.
Broadcaster Gay Byrne announced at the weekend that he would not contest the election after Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin contacted him to say the party would facilitate his nomination as an Independent.
Mr Byrne (77) admitted at the weekend he did not have the “stomach” for a tilt at the presidency and accused the media of pestering him to make a decision about contesting the election.
A recent poll suggested the former host was the most popular choice to become the next president following the Late Late Show withdrawal of Senator David Norris and his decision not to stand is considered a defeat for Mr Martin who angered some party members by approaching Mr Byrne without wider consultation.
A Red C poll for Paddy Power bookmakers published last week found Mr Byrne would get 28 per cent of first preference votes.
The poll put the Labour Party’s declared candidate Michael D Higgins in second place with 21 per cent, while Fine Gael’s declared candidate Gay Mitchell scored 13 per cent.
Level with Mr Mitchell in the poll was Fianna Fáil MEP for Ireland South Brian Crowley, who last month wrote to party colleagues confirming his intention to seek the party’s nomination. Independent Sean Gallagher secured 12 per cent in the poll, while another Independent Mary Davis was at seven per cent.
Potential candidates for the presidency require the support of 20 TDs and/or Senators or the backing of four county councils. Mr Gallagher and Mr Davis are confident of formally securing council support. Dana Rosemary Scallon, who is also rumoured to be considering entering the race, secured six per cent in the poll.
