Former President-elect of Chambers Ireland and Libertas member Chris Coughlan has categorically denied rumours that he is to run for next year's European election.

Following Mr Coughlan's surprise refusal to take up the position of President of Chambers Ireland, rumours had been circulating that he would run for Declan Ganley's Libertas in next year's European election.

Mr Coughlan was a founder member of Libertas.

However, he told the Galway Independent that there was "absolutely no way" he would be running for Europe "in any form".

He reiterated his commitments to business and cultural life in Galway, where he chairs the Galway City Traffic and Transportation Unit and eGalway, as well as being a Senior Vice President in Hewlett Packard.

It's thought Declan Ganley himself will run for the North West Constituency in next year's European Parliament elections, although he has not yet confirmed his candidacy.