Overview

• Taoiseach and party leader Micheál Martin is expected to endorse former Dublin GAA manager Jim Gavin for the Fianna Fáil nomination.
• Billy Kelleher has formally entered the contest, emailing TDs, senators and MEPs and canvassing support for his candidacy.
• Gavin has not declared publicly but has secured endorsements from deputy leader Jack Chambers and minister James Lawless.
• Bertie Ahern has not ruled himself out and voiced disappointment at the lack of clarity from party leadership on support for his potential bid.
• Fianna Fáil is set to open its process shortly with a decision anticipated by mid-September, while Fine Gael plans to name Heather Humphreys on Tuesday, Sinn Féin decides on 20 September, and the election is expected in late October; barrister Maria Steen is seeking a nomination route.