FINE GAEL MEP Maireád McGuinness has announced she will seek the party’s nomination for the presidency later this year.
Ms McGuinness, a former journalist and television presenter, made her intention public in a speech in Athy, Co Kildare, last night.
She told the audience at the opening of an art exhibition that she had thought long and hard about before deciding that she wished to run for the presidency.
The MEP, who represents the East constituency, had earlier informed Taoiseach Enda Kenny she would make the announcement.
Ms McGuinness said that she had been regularly asked by people if she would seek a nomination.
“I am honoured and humbled that people would even ask me that question,” she said.
Setting out the reasons why she made the decision, she said: “I firmly believe the seeds of hope for our country will be found in our power to create and in the infinite ability of our collective imagination.
“It is in our creativity that we will find the capacity to bring about a new vision for this country.
“I will be delighted and honoured if my party gives me the opportunity to go before the people to work with you, as your president in imagining a renewed, creative and dynamic Ireland.”
