‘Absolutely not' – Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary rules out Irish Presidency bid but backs ‘terrific' contender for Aras
The election to replace
The date for
Asked if he fancied a tilt at the Aras, O'Leary told
'So I wish well whoever decides to run for President but it sure as hell won't be me.'
Read more in News
However, the motormouth airline CEO is backing former
The ex-
The hugely popular former
Party figures say McGuinness has been openly courting the candidacy and she has made several media appearances in recent months in a bid to keep her name in the conversation.
Most read in The Irish Sun
Ryanair boss O'Leary said: 'If Mairead McGuinness ran for President I would be happy to endorse her.
'I think she's been a terrific success on the European stage both as an MEP and Vice President of the
CAMPAIGN CLANGER
O'Leary previously propelled Fine Gael into the headlines for the wrong reasons the last time he endorsed one of their candidates.
In the general election last year, he launched Westmeath TD Peter Burke's campaign and made a gag about there being too many teachers in the
Despite this, Burke topped the poll and was appointed Minister for Enterprise again in the new coalition.
Meanwhile, Aontu leader Paedar Toibin today revealed that his party are considering backing a candidate and they have held talks with several potential runners.
The
1
Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary has ruled out trying to land the Presidency
Credit: Reuters
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