Sean Kelly has withdrawn from the Fine Gael selection process for president of Ireland.

The former GAA president was expected to contest the upcoming election which is set to feature former Dublin football manager Jim Gavin, who has been touted as Fianna Fáil’s preferred candidate.

"To have been selected as Fine Gael candidate for the most distinguished role in our country would have been the greatest honour of my life. In the days since, I have enjoyed great engagement with members of the public, members of Fine Gael, Fine Gael Councillors, TDs and Senators,” Kerry man Kelly said in a statement.

"I was humbled by the level of support for my candidacy, particularly at grassroots level. I am particularly grateful to Councillors across my Ireland South Constituency and elsewhere, to members of the Fine Gael National Executive, and indeed to my '12 Apostles' in the Parliamentary Party for the great support they have shown me.

“While I am of the view that a contest would be good and healthy for the party and was looking forward to one, unfortunately, after nearly two weeks of engagement, it is clear to me now that I will not be able to gather the required 20 nominations from the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party to contest the selection process.

"I have therefore, reluctantly, decided to withdraw my name from the process. I know this will come as a great disappointment to my supporters, but I am happy to have put myself forward, and unfortunately the ball didn't bounce in my favour on this occasion. This afternoon I return to Brussels to continue my hard work on behalf of my constituents in Ireland South at this critical juncture for European and global politics."

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