Former Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan has said he will not contest this year’s presidential election over fears of his family being subjected to “personal abuse” which he said is becoming “increasingly normalised”.

Dr Holohan said he had received a number of approaches from people across the country encouraging him to put his name forward as a candidate in the upcoming election.

“However, after a lot of careful consideration and reflection I have decided not to seek a nomination to contest the election,” he said in a statement, adding that he had discussed it at length with friends, colleagues, previous candidates and those with “much more political experience than I have”.

“But the most important conversations I have had have been my family; my wife and my children in particular,” the 58-year-old added.

He said his overriding consideration has been his wish to protect his family “from the kind of personal abuse which is becoming increasingly normalised in Irish politics generally and in presidential elections in particular”.

“I understand the very tough nature of modern politics and while I am more than capable of defending my reputation and the decisions which I have taken, over a long career during challenging times in public service my family is not,” he said.

“I cannot now expose them to further distress, criticism or abuse at a time when we are all still rebuilding our lives.”

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He stressed that presidential elections are vitally important events in the civic life of the country.

“I earnestly hope that the coming campaign is marked by civilized and respectful debate and reflection as we all try to imagine and agree on the values and qualities we wish to see in our next President,” he said.

Dr Holohan’s decision comes as former MEP Mairead McGuinness, who was tipped to be the favourite to replace Michael D Hiiggins in Áras an Uachtaráin, withdrew from the presidential race on health grounds.

MEP Seán Kelly has said he will “most likely reconsider” his possible candidacy in the campaign following her withdrawal.

Independent TD for Galway West Catherine Connolly launched her presidential bid at a press conference outside Leinster House earlier this month.

While Gareth Sheridan, the businessman bidding to be Ireland’s youngest ever President at 35, officially launched his campaign on Thursday.

Fine Gael’s national executive council is due to meet tonight to discuss its next steps following Ms McGuinness’ withdrawal.

There has been speculation that Heather Humphreys could reconsider and put her name forward, with a number of independent politicians, including Michael-Healy Rae, Seán Canney and Noel Grealish highlighting her appeal to the public.

Frances Fitzgerald has said her decision remains the same as previously, and she won’t seek the nomination.