Both Sean Kelly and Heather Humphreys have confirmed they will seek Fine Gael's nomination for President.

Last Thursday, former European Commissioner Mairead McGuinness announced she was withdrawing from the campaign for the Áras on medical grounds after a recent hospital stay.

Fine Gael opened a two week window for nominations for the Presidency following a meeting of the party's executive council on Monday night.

On Wednesday morning, current Ireland South MEP Sean Kelly, confirmed in a statement that he would seek that nomination

Not long afterwards, the former Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys, spoke on local radio confirming her intention to run as Fine Gael's Presidential candidate.

To be nominated, a candidate needs the backing of 20 members of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party, 25 Fine Gael Councillors and five members of the Executive Council.