Maria Steen receives 18th nomination leaving her two short ahead of deadline
James Cox
Maria Steen has received a last-minute boost in her bid to contest the presidential election as she received nomination number 18.
This morning Senator Aubrey McCarthy has confirmed he will sign her nomination papers, leaving her now just two signatures short of the 20 she needs from Oireachtas members to make it onto the ballot.
The deadline to submit the paperwork is midday today, and Jim Gavin, Heather Humphreys and Catherine Connolly are already registered.
Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín is appealing for two more TDs or senators to support Maria Steen.
"You know, I do want to say that this particular process has been successful. Some people called it a stunt at the start, but in reality it is one of the few examples where disparate TDs and senators have actually worked together to achieve something.
"I think it should be a template for more cooperation in Leinster House."
In a statement, Mr McCarthy confirmed he would nominate Ms Steen but said it was not an endorsement of her campaign.
"‘I don’t know Ms Steen and I have met her for the first time yesterday evening. This decision is not an endorsement of her or her campaign, but I believe that candidates deserve the opportunity to make their case to the voters, and the voters deserve the right to decide who is best suited to serve," Mr McCarthy said.
Similarly, junior ministers Marian Harkin and Michael Healy-Rae nominated Ms Steen, but both said they would not vote for her. They are both supporting Fine Gael candidate Heather Humphreys.
Ms Steen received the backing of Independent Ireland's four TDs on Tuesday.
She is now in a race against time to secure two more TDs or senators.
Independent TD for Dublin Mid-West Paul Gogarty previously indicated he may add his nomination if Ms Steen is only a couple away from securing her place on the ballot.
