Catherine Connolly to launch presidential bid next week
James Cox
Independent TD Catherine Connolly has confirmed she will launch her presidential election bid next week.
The Galway West TD said she believes she has enough support to get on the ballot.
Ms Connolly told the Galway City Tribune: "Yes, my mind is made up to run.
“I’ve support from across the spectrum, including the Social Democrats, People Before Profit and Solidarity, as well as a number of senators and others. Labour and Sinn Féin are still completing their own internal processes which I fully respect.
“I’ll be formally launching my campaign next week."
This support should be more than enough Ms Connolly to launch her campaign.
On Friday morning, the Social Democrats confirmed their backing for Ms Connolly.
A statement said: “Last night, the National Executive of the Social Democrats unanimously decided that our Oireachtas members will nominate Catherine Connolly for president.
“This reflects the strong support throughout the Social Democrats for nominating Catherine Connolly.
“Catherine has been a tireless advocate for progressive causes and we believe she would make an excellent president.”
Candidates need the backing of 20 Oireachtas members or four local authorities in order to get on the ballot.
As Ms Connolly alluded to in her comments, Sinn Féin and Labour are yet to decide on whether they will run a candidate, but she would be in a strong position to secure their backing if they do not.
Big names have been slow to emerge ahead of the election, but many are likely to set out their stall in the weeks to come given the election must take place by Tuesday, November 11th.
Ms Connolly's intention to run will likely accelerate this process.
Mary Hanafin has confirmed her interest in the Fianna Fáil nomination, while Mairead McGuinness is the favourite for Fine Gael's nomination.
Ms McGuinness' position was strengthened on Thursday when MEP Seán Kelly confirmed he would not run for president.
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald declined to rule herself out when asked about a potential bid last week.
