Independent senator Frances Black has said she is "98%" sure she will not contest the presidential election - but remains 2% open to the possibility as she has "a responsibility to consider it".
Senator Black outlined her view in a radio interview today, saying her concerns relate in part to the personalised nature of "how other [presidential] campaigns have been run".
In recent months speculation has continued that Ms Black could be a potential candidate for a combined group of left-wing and left-leaning political parties.
However, to date such a potential platform offer from these parties has yet to materialise, in part due to the fact the campaign itself remains a number of months away.
Speaking on Newstalk, Senator Black said she is 98% certain that she will not put her name forward, saying despite initial speculation and the "privilege" of rumours she could be a combined candidate for a number of parties "nothing has happened, I haven't heard any more, there’s been no discussions".
She said: "It’s not something I’m seeking. It’s not something I’m actively looking for.
"I’ve seen how other campaigns have been run, and they have been, I could only describe [as] blood baths. So it’s not something that I would want to be honest with you."
Asked about the 2% possibility of her still being a candidate, Ms Black said: "There’s a part of me that feels if I’m the right person, I’m not sure I am, but if I am the right person, then that’s the 2%. And I do feel I have a responsibility to consider it. That’s really what it is. That’s all it is."
As yet, no clear front-runner has emerged who is likely to either gain enough support from TDs and senators or from local councils to formally become a presidential candidate rather than saying they would like to be one.
In recent weeks, Independent senator and former justice minister Michael McDowell, former MEP and Government minister Frances Fitzgerald, former Government minister Heather Humphreys and others have said they will not contest the election despite rumours.
Ongoing speculation continues over a number of other potential candidates, in addition to speculation over which parties may run their own candidate.
In order to become a formal presidential candidate, an individual must have the support of either 20 members of the Oireachtas or of four local authorities.
The presidential election contest will take place this autumn.
