I can't be Aras-ed with prez run

BOB Geldof insisted he was never serious about running for the presidency as he revealed details of his conversation with the Taoiseach about the idea.

- BY DAVID YOUNG

The Boomtown Rats frontman was linked with a bid for the Aras several weeks ago and, at the time, Micheal Martin acknowledged a conversation with the star about the potential of him standing for Fianna Fail.

Geldof, who is originally from Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin, said the discussion did not progress very far, as the Taoiseach had already chosen someone else as his preferred candidate.

Mr Martin backed former Dublin Gaelic football manager Jim Gavin as his party's nomination and the former army officer was formally confirmed as the party candidate last week.