Overview

• Jim Gavin is viewed as the favorite with public backing from Taoiseach Micheál Martin, while Billy Kelleher is expected to poll strongly in the parliamentary vote.
• The confirmed field stands at two: Independent TD Catherine Connolly and Fine Gael’s Heather Humphreys, who is set to formally launch her campaign next weekend.
• Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has ruled herself out, with the party to decide by September 20 whether to field a candidate or back Connolly.
• Kerry County Council has begun hearing pitches from independent hopefuls, with a vote not due until next Monday, as Fine Gael instructs councillors to oppose independent nominations.
• Polling day is October 24, with nominations closing about a month earlier, and candidates must be Irish citizens over 35 nominated by 20 Oireachtas members or four local authorities.