Catherine Connolly announces bid for the Áras as Social Democrats back presidential campaign
The Social Democrats are the first to publicly announce that their members of the Oireachtas will support Ms Connolly in her presidential bid.
The National Executive of the Social Democrats last night voted that all of the party's members of the Oireachtas will nominate Ms Connolly for president.
"This reflects the strong support throughout the Social Democrats for nominating Catherine Connolly,' a party spokesperson said.
'Catherine has been a tireless advocate for progressive causes and we believe she would make an excellent President.'
A presidential candidate must be nominated by at least 20 members of the Oireachtas to appear on the ballot.
The Social Democrats have 11 members of the Oireachtas, with Ms Connolly confirming to the Galway City Tribune that she is also supported by People Before Profit.
She said Labour and Sinn Féin are currently going through their own internal processes before nominating a candidate.
Ms Connolly told the Galway City Tribune yesterday that she will be 'formally launching' her presidential campaign next week, the Connacht Tribune reports.
'Yes, my mind is made up to run. I've support from across the spectrum, including the Social Democrats, People Before Profit and Solidarity, as well as a number of senators and others,' she said.
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"Labour and Sinn Féin are still completing their own internal processes which I fully respect. I'll be formally launching my campaign next week.'
It comes as Fine Gael MEP Seán Kelly ruled himself out of the race yesterday, clearing a path for former European Commissioner Mairead McGuinness to win the party nomination.
Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe said his party colleague Ms McGuinness was in "a very strong position" in respect of the party's nomination for the 2025 Presidential election.
However, the Dublin TD insisted he would not be endorsing any candidate until after the Fine Gael nomination period concludes on July 17 next.
Dr Mike Ryan, the deputy director general of the World Health Organisation, also confirmed to the Irish Independent this week that he has been approached about a potential presidential bid but has not yet been asked to become a candidate.
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has also opened the door to contesting the presidential election in recent days.
Former Fianna Fáil minister Mary Hanafin has shown interest in seeking her party's nomination, while Unicef Ireland's executive director Peter Power has also signalled his interest to the Fianna Fáil leadership.
Former Ireland South MEP Mick Wallace did not rule himself out of the race this week, but said he "certainly wouldn't run' if Ms Connolly was on the ballot.
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