Plan to bring Presidential election date forward over ‘politicised' Budget fears as major candidate enters Aras race
It comes as Government figures fear that the
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Mairead McGuinness has joined Catherine Connolly in the race for the Aras
Credit: REUTERS/Johanna Geron/Pool
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Connolly last week officially threw her hat in the ring to run in the election
Credit: PA/Brian Lawless
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An election to replace Michael D Higgins must be held 60 days before his term concludes
Credit: Getty Images - Getty
An election to replace
The idea of a September polling day was floated in order to avoid
Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe and Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers have repeatedly warned that there will be
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However, there was push back on the idea of a September election with the expectation that the polling day will be at the end of October.
Taoiseach
Up until today, Independent TD Catherine Connolly was the only real contender for the Presidency who had gotten enough support to get on the ballot paper.
However,
Most read in Irish News
This means that the former MEP will run for Fine Gael in the Presidential election once her nomination is officially ratified by the party.
In a letter sent to Fine Gael members today, Mairead McGuinness said she expects the election campaign to be 'full on.'
Irish President Michael D Higgins votes in local and European elections.mp4
She said: 'I am conscious of the opportunity and challenge ahead, given the very important constitutional role of the President, and the esteem in which the office is held by the people.
'Subject to my candidacy being ratified by the Party in early September, I very much look forward to setting out my vision for the Presidency.
'And I look forward to working with you all over the coming weeks and months.
'The campaign when it starts will be full-on.'
'IMPORTANT POINT FOR THE COUNTRY'
Tanaiste Simon Harris today praised McGuinness as a strong candidate for the office of the Presidency.
He said: 'Presidential elections are always an important point for the country. I believe Mairead possesses all the attributes to bring our nation together at this important time.'
It remains to be seen whether Fianna Fail and
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