LISTEN: Ming says he will consider running in next year's Presidential election

MEP Luke 'Ming' Flanagan says he will consider running in next year's presidential election - possibly replacing Michael D Higgins.

He is on course to retain his in the Midlands Northwest constituency in the European elections.

The Castlerea man Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan is in first place, leading by almost 10,000 votes.

Fine Gael’s Nina Carberry and Maria Walsh, along with Fianna Fáil’s Barry Cowan, are also likely to be elected.

Ciaran Mullooly is in a battle with Sinn Fein's Michelle Gildernew for the fifth and final seat.

Ming was asked whether the presidential election, which will be held next year, by our reporter Eoghan Murphy.

But Mullooly, who is from the Ballyleague/Lanesboro area, has ruled out a presidential bid.