Overview

• Sinn Féin is weighing running its own nominee or endorsing Independent Catherine Connolly, who is backed by the Social Democrats, Labour, People Before Profit, Solidarity and several Independents.
• Mary Lou McDonald has ruled herself out of contention and says she will focus on holding the Government to account.
• Irish Independent reporting suggests Pearse Doherty is a strong possibility if Sinn Féin fields a candidate, though the party has not declared a choice.
• Aontú’s Maria Steen now has 11 Oireachtas backers but needs 20; Independent Ireland says it would support a contender who reaches 16, and Peadar Tóibín says talks are ongoing to narrow the gap.
• Steen is also pursuing council nominations, with Leitrim due to decide Monday, and key dates include the 24 September close of nominations and a 24 October poll with results expected on 25 October.