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The Irish Sun

Hundreds part with hard-earned cash to back presidential hopeful as Connolly's Aras war chest gets major day one boost

CATHERINE Connolly has raised €12,000 in the first 24 hours for her presidential campaign. She announced 3 Independent TD Catherine Connolly announced her official entry into the Aras race this week Credit: Brian Lawless/PA Wire 3 Michael D Higgins will depart the Aras later this year Credit: Sportsfile - Subscription Her election bid is expected to cost between €250,000 and €500,000. The former Leas Ceann Comhairle secured €12,000 in donations in just 24 hours, with more than 600 people donating amounts between €1 and €200. A post updating supporters on the fundraising effort boasted that 'in a little over one day, we have raised more in donations than total declared donations to Gallagher 2018, McGuinness 2011 or Dana 2011'. Read more in News Some 2,000 people have already signed up to be part of the Connolly campaign team with a major 'people power' style campaign planned over the coming months before polling day. The presidential wannabe has promised to visit 'cities, towns and villages across the island' over the campaign. The former barrister previously told the Irish Sun that she believes she is at an advantage by being the first candidate to enter She said: 'I think I'm actually at an advantage. To a certain extent, I've let some of the people who are supporting me down a little bit by taking so long with the internal torturous decision which I'm now over. Most read in The Irish Sun 'I would have declared sooner if I was able but it really took me to go through that process and I am fully ready now for the campaign. 'I don't think it is too soon – quite the contrary. I'm an independent candidate with support from parties. We don't have a huge big machine. 'I think we have conviction. I think we believe in what we're doing and I think we are happy to put forward that vision.' 3 Some 2,000 people have already signed up to be part of the Connolly campaign team in her Aras bid Credit: Alamy