The former UN assistant general secretary, Mr Denis Halliday, has said he will not contest an Irish presidential election.
Dublin-born Mr Halliday (63) spends most of his time in New York. He is a Quaker committed to non-violence.
Speaking to The Irish Times from New York yesterday, Mr Halliday said he never had the required support for nomination.
He said he had considered standing when approached, "but having lived overseas for 40 years, my knowledge of domestic issues is too weak. I try to keep abreast of issues, but it is hard to catch up after that length of time."
Mr Halliday said he had thought about it in the light of international issues, particularly the war on Iraq.
He felt that the Government's stance on the war - especially the use of Shannon by the US military - had damaged the credibility of Ireland.
However, he said Irish people would want somebody who was abreast of domestic issues.
He said perhaps Mr Michael D. Higgins would go forward.
"Debate in the presidential election is really important," he said.
Mr Halliday had been suggested as a presidential candidate by the Independent TD, Mr Finian McGrath.
Mr McGrath said he had arranged meetings during the summer months as they needed 20 members of the Oireachtas and four county councils to nominate Mr Halliday.
He said they needed a broader group of TDs and senators to support Mr Halliday, but that had not been forthcoming.
October 22nd has been set as the date for a presidential election if two or more candidates put themselves forward. October 1st is the closing date for nominations.
The President, Mrs McAleese, has as yet not indicated whether she will seek another term in Áras an Uachtaráin.
The only other name being suggested is the former MEP, Ms Dana Rosemary Scallon.
Ms Scallon said yesterday she was awaiting Mrs McAleese's decision.
She criticised the nomination and election dates set by the Government, as it precluded county councils from debating nominations and therefore nominating a candidate.
Many county councils, for instance Clare, held their monthly meetings on the second Monday in the month.
This denied due process and democratic debate, Ms Scallon said.
A presidential debate was crucial for the democratic process, but the date set meant it was too late for many county councils to nominate any candidate, she went on.
"This denies my democratic rights and the rights of the councils," Ms Scallon said.
The President carried out her normal duties yesterday, attending the National Library's recently opened exhibition facility in Kildare Street.
She was given a guided tour of the James Joyce and 'Ulysses' at the National Library of Ireland exhibition by the library's acting director, Mr Aonghus Ó hAonghusa.