Fine Gael MEP Seán Kelly said he has "reluctantly" withdrawn from the Presidential Election after it became clear to him that he would not receive enough support to contest the party's selection process.
Mr Kelly, who was competing with former minister Heather Humphreys to be the party’s candidate, said in a statement that he gathered 12 nominations, short of the 20 required.
He said: "I have enjoyed great engagement with members of the public, members of Fine Gael, Fine Gael councillors, TDs and senators.
"I was humbled by the level of support for my candidacy, particularly at grassroots level.
"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."
Mr Kelly added that he wished Ms Humphreys the best for the upcoming campaign.
He has now returned to Brussels "to continue my hard work on behalf of my constituents in Ireland South at this critical juncture for European and global politics".
Gavin 'uniquely qualified' for presidency - O'Callaghan
Earlier, Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan said he has decided to support former Dublin GAA football manager Jim Gavin in the upcoming Presidential Election.
The Fianna Fáil party member said he spoke with Jim Gavin and Fianna Fáil MEP Billy Kelleher this morning.
He said he believes the party is lucky to have two such outstanding people seeking its nomination.
Mr O'Callaghan said it had been a difficult call for him because both men would be excellent in the office of Uachtarán na hÉireann.
However, he said he had decided to support Mr Gavin as he believes he would be a uniquely qualified candidate.
It comes as Taoiseach and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin endorsed Mr Gavin yesterday.
Fianna Fáil has decided on the process by which it will select its candidate for the Presidential Election.
A contender needs to secure at least five nominations from the parliamentary party of TDs, Senators and MEPs and submit the names to headquarters by 5pm this Friday.
The parliamentary party, which has 71 members, will meet the following Tuesday 9 September to choose who will go on the ballot paper for the race to succeed President Michael D Higgins.
Next Tuesday's meeting is expected to begin around 11am followed by a secret ballot, and with a result announced after the count.
Meanwhile, Mr Kelleher said that it "didn't come as a shock" that the Taoiseach endorsed Mr Gavin.
In an interview with Cork's 96FM, Mr Kelleher said had never "taken anything personally" during the course of his political career. He insisted that he had a "very professional relationship" with Mr Martin going back many years.
"He had to make decisions as to what is in the best interests of the party. But I have to make decisions based on what I believe I can offer the party," said Mr Kelleher.
"I like to keep it professional and, in that context, I accept that Micheál has to make a decision and, in his own mind, he believes that Jim Gavin is a [good] candidate. But I believe I have a lot to offer and I will offer an alternative candidate to Jim."
Mr Kelleher said that he was "looking forward" to speaking to his party colleagues about his candidacy.
Separately, MEP for Dublin Barry Andrews said he is "delighted" to support his party colleague Mr Kelleher in the nomination process.
"I have a very strong view that if somebody from the parliamentary party, with Billy's vast experience comes forward, then you'd want to have a very good reason to go outside the parliamentary party for a nominee, or indeed outside the party altogether."
He said Mr Kelleher "has never lost a Dáil election, he's never lost a European election, he's tried and tested", adding his fellow Fianna Fáil MEP "has a huge amount of experience".
"He would be an excellent president," added Mr Andrews.
