Overview

• Seán Kelly and Heather Humphreys have emerged as frontrunners in the reopened Fine Gael selection, while Frances Fitzgerald has confirmed she will not stand.
• Catherine Connolly has consolidated support from the Social Democrats, Labour Party and People Before Profit, prompting bookmakers to shorten her odds as the contest’s front-runner.
• The presidential election must occur in the 60 days before President Higgins’s term ends on November 11, setting a late-October timeline for campaigns to secure nominations.
• A candidate must secure nominations from at least 20 Oireachtas members or four local authorities, creating a high threshold for independents and party hopefuls.
• Entrepreneur Gareth Sheridan and Riverdance star Michael Flatley have launched or signaled their presidential bids, expanding a competitive and unpredictable field.