Miriam O’Callaghan will not seek nomination for presidency

RTÉ broadcaster Miriam O'Callaghan has confirmed she will not seek a nomination to run for president.

The journalist used social media on Friday to rule herself out of contention for the position.

Citing a “resurgence” in speculation on the subject, she tweeted: “I want to state that I will not be a candidate in an upcoming presidential election.”

“Over recent years, I’ve been touched and a little embarrassed when people have approached me at charity events around the country and suggested that I should run for president,” she said.

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However, the Prime Time presenter added that out of respect for President Michael D Higgins, she had avoided discussing the subject.

“As a journalist, I’m much more comfortable reporting on stories than being at the centre of them.”

She also said she remained independent of any political party.

However, The Irish Times reported on Thursday that her employer RTÉ said it had "established procedures" on how to deal with any employee or contractor seeking public office.

Ms O’Callaghan was asked a number of times on Thursday if she wanted to stand for the presidency but only replied that Mr Higgins was “wonderful”.

She was often speculated upon as a possible candidate for Fianna Fáil should there be an election in the autumn.

Mr Higgins has yet to publicly declare if he wants a second term, but sources have said he will run again but will not announce it until after the referendum on the Eighth Amendment to the Constitution, which takes place on May 25th.