RTÉ broadcaster and journalist Miriam O'Callaghan has announced tonight that she will not be a candidate in any forthcoming presidential election.

On Twitter Ms O’Callaghan said that out of respect for the serving president she had not involved herself in discussions about her possible candidacy.

However, due to a recent resurgence in speculation about her position she said she wanted to make it clear that she would not be letting her name go forward.

Ms O’Callaghan said she has been ‘touched and a little embarrassed’ to have people suggest to her that she should run for President.

She said "as a journalist, I’m more comfortable reporting on stories than being at the centre of them".

"I would also like to make clear that I have always been, and will always remain, independent of any political party," she said.

Ms O’Callaghan said she was looking forward to spending the summer months working on a documentary about the 50th anniversary of the civil rights marches and the Troubles in Northern Ireland.