Sinn Fein to select candidate for Irish presidential election
MEP Liadh Ni Riada is tipped to be the republican party’s likely choice to contest October’s poll.
Sinn Fein will later unveil its candidate in the Irish presidential election.
The party’s ruling council – ard chomhairle – is meeting in Dublin to select its choice to run in next month’s election.
Euro MP Liadh Ni Riada is tipped by many to be the Sinn Fein name on the ballot in what is so far looking like a five-way battle.
Two businessmen who were both investors on the Irish version of Dragons’ Den – Sean Gallagher and Gavin Duffy – are running as independent candidates, as is senator Joan Freeman.
The trio all secured the required endorsement of four local councils in order to officially become candidates.
The two biggest parties – Fine Gael and Fianna Fail – are both backing Mr Higgins for a second stint, as is the Labour Party.
A range of other would-be independent candidates still retain hope of convincing undeclared councils to back their bids before the September 26 deadline.
The election is taking place on October 26.
