Mr Ahern said he did not want to run as an Independent, but accepted he would not be the Fianna Fáil candidate.

The former weather presenter and author is the latest celebrity to throw their hat into the ring.

The former Dublin manager made his intentions clear to run for president on Saturday, sending a letter to Fianna Fáil TD's to seek their backing.

Fianna Fáil party whip Paul McAuliffe has announced the former Dublin football manager rang him this morning to confirm the move.

The former CEO of US-based company Nutriband, the 35-year-old would become the youngest ever president if he was to be elected.

She told the Irish Times she will not be seeking the Fine Gael nomination to replace Michael D. Higgins.