Overview

• Mary Lou McDonald said Sinn Féin will announce its decision on Saturday and described the party’s participation as a “game-changer.”
• Sinn Féin is weighing running its own contender or endorsing Independent Catherine Connolly, and McDonald confirmed talks with Connolly’s campaign.
• Connolly already has support from the Social Democrats, Labour, People Before Profit, Solidarity and several Independents, and has signaled she would welcome Sinn Féin’s backing.
• Aontú’s Peadar Tóibín said Maria Steen now has 11 Oireachtas supporters toward the 20 required, with the 11th backer not publicly identified.
• Tóibín is in discussions with another TD that could leave Steen four short, Independent Ireland has pledged support once a candidate reaches 16, and Steen is also pursuing local-authority nominations with Leitrim due to vote Monday; nominations close at midday on 24 September and polling is on 24 October.