Overview

• Michelle O’Neill said the winner of the October 24 election should use the presidency to advocate for Irish unification and speak for citizens across the island.
• She argued such activism fits within the office, which is traditionally seen as non-political by convention.
• O’Neill renewed demands for a vote to extend presidential franchise to Irish citizens in Northern Ireland, who can run for president but cannot currently vote.
• Sinn Féin has yet to confirm whether it will field a candidate, with a formal decision expected later in September.
• Independent TD Catherine Connolly is already in the race and has pledged to use the presidency to press for unity.