EXCLUSIVE: Ó Caoláin turns down Sinn Féin nomination for presidency

Cavan Monaghan Sinn Féin TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has ruled himself out of the race for the Áras after the North-West Cúige of his party nominated him to contest the presidential election.
It emerged today (Tuesday) that the veteran TD was the only member to qualify for consideration by the Árd comhairle for the Sinn Féin nomination along with Munster MEP Liadh Ní Riada.
His party’s longest serving elected representative in the State, Deputy Ó Caoláin has conveyed his wishes not to run to the national executive and is set to retire at the next General Election.
Speaking to The Anglo-Celt yesterday, he said: “I am both thankful and humbled by the confidence expressed in me by those nominating structures who have put my name forward for consideration by the Árd Comhairle for the role and responsibility of candidate for Sinn Féin in the upcoming Presidential contest. I have previously advised the Party President and the Ard Comhairle that I am absolutely settled on returning to unelected life after more than 33 years of public elected service and do not wish to be considered for this honoured role.”
It’s now thought that Ms Ní Riada, daughter of composer, the late Seán Ó Riada, will be officially named the party’s candidate on September 16.
Deputy Ó Caoláin gave her his full endorsement and support as “a most able and highly skilled” candidate.