Bruton rules out bid for Aras

Former Meath TD, Fine Gael leader and Taoiseach John Bruton has ruled himself out as a candidate for this year's presidential election. Mr Bruton said he had been asked by Fine Gael to allow his name go forward for selection as the party's candidate in the election later this year. The former European Union Ambassador to Washington had been regarded as Fine Gael's strongest potential candidate in the race to succeed Mary McAleese. "I discussed the matter thoroughly with the party's representative. I promised to reflect carefully on the request and respond," he said. "I did so about ten days ago. I said, with regret, that I did not wish my name to be among those considered." He said it was a 'very great honour to have been asked', but he will now support whoever is selected as the Fine Gael candidate. Mr Bruton also said that at no time in the discussions did he request that the role of the President be expanded or altered. Meath-based MEP, Mairead McGuinness has already announced that she is to seek the Fine Gael nomination, while Michael D Higgins, Kathleen O'Meara and former Dunsany resident Fergus Finlay are planning to run for Labour. Senator David Norris, 'Dragons Den' businessman Sean Gallagher and Special Olympics organiser Mary Davis plan to stand as independent candidates.