Fine Gael South MEP Seán Kelly has been approached to run in the next general election in Kerry.
The prospect of a ministerial position was also on the table if he ran for the Dáil, Mr Kelly (71) told Radio Kerry on Friday morning.
However, 70 per cent of all legislation now comes from Europe, he said, adding that he felt he could make a better contribution for Kerry and Ireland by remaining as an MEP.
The former president of the GAA was first elected as an MEP in 2009.
"I was asked, and it was even indicated to me I could possibly be a minister," Mr Kelly told Radio Kerry's Jerry O’Sullivan.
He said that having never been a TD before, he would be unfamiliar with the system and would have to start from scratch, adding that he would also have to close his Europe offices and let staff go.
"I have a really good machine working now in Europe," Mr Kelly said.
He said it is his "instinct" that the next General Election will be called this time next year.
Fine Gael are understood to be in difficulty in Kerry, with three long-standing councillors confirming they will not contest the next locals election, while current TD Brendan Griffin said he will not run in the next Dáil vote.
