Fine Gael MEP and former GAA president Seán Kelly has ruled himself out of the race to succeed Mary McAleese as president.
Mr Kelly this morning said it was a huge honour to have been asked to consider running in the election but that he wished to continue to serve his Ireland South constituency in Europe.
"I look forward to continuing my work here at the European Parliament in Brussels where I enjoy providing strong representation,” he said.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank my numerous well-wishers for their encouraging words and those who gladly pledged to assist me in the event of a campaign.”
Fine Gael is yet to put forward a candidate for the election but former taoiseach John Bruton has ruled himself out of seeking the party’s nomination.
Mr Kelly said he would give his "full support to whoever Fine Gael nominates" to contest the election.
The election is set to take place in October, with Ms McAleese due to stand down the following month.
A number of candidates have so far said they intend to enter the race.
Former TD Michael D Higgins, Barnardos chief executive and former Labour special adviser Fergus Finlay, and former party senator Kathleen O’Meara are all seeking the Labour nomination.
Senator David Norris and Special Olympics chief Mary Davis have declared as Independents and are each seeking the support of 20 members of the Oireachtas or four councils to enter the race.
Fianna Fáil MEP Brian Crowley is emerging as the party’s most likely candidate.
Others who have expressed an interest are businessman Seán Gallagher and former European Parliament president Pat Cox.
