Davis Joins Race For The Aras

The field of candidates aiming to become the next President of Ireland is becoming a little more crowded.

Mary Davis, best known for bringing the Special Olympics to Ireland in 2003, has announced that she is seeking to run in November's election as an independent candidate.

That means there are now three people seeking to run as Independents - Senator David Norris and businessman and TV personality Sean Gallagher have already indicated their intentions to seek a nomination.

For independents, the task of getting on the ballot paper is almost as difficult as getting elected.

Independents need the support of either 20 members of the Oireachtas, or four city or county councils in order to be able to run.

With most councils around the country under the control of the government parties, it could prove difficult.

David Norris has already secured the support of one council - Fingal - and several TDs have indicated they will back his efforts.

But it's emerged that Fine Gael has instructed its party members on councils around the country not to support any of the Independents, as the party will be running its own candidate.

Former Taoiseach John Bruton indicated this weekend that he will not be seeking the Fine Gael nomination.

He had been approached by many people in the party who wanted him to run, but had decided he did not wish his name to go forward.

MEP and former journalist Mairead McGuinness has indicated she would like to be the Fine Gael candidate.

As yet, no other FG person has come forward although speculation surrounds former GAA president Sean Kelly who is an MEP for Fine Gael in Munster.

Two prominent figures in the Labour Party are battling it out to be its candidate to succeed Mary McAleese.

Former Minister Michael D Higgins and the head of children's charity Barnados and former party advisor Fergus Finlay have both put their names forward for a selection convention to be held in June.

Fianna Fail is still considering its options.

Any candidate it fields is highly unlikely to be successful, and party leader Michael Martin will need to make a judgment call on whether nor not it's worth the expense and effort to run a candidate.

If it doesn't it would be the first time Fianna Fail had not put someone forward in a presidential contest.

Already the party has told its councilors that they may support whoever they like at local authority level - but because Fianna Fail lost control of most councils in the last local elections, that would not deliver a nomination to any of the independents.

However, if it gives a free vote to its TDs or Senators, then that could make a crucial difference to the prospects of Norris, Davis or Gallagher.

Sinn Fein is thought unlikely to run a candidate.

Former President of the European Parliament Pat Cox is reported to be exploring whether or not he would have enough support to run.

Mary McAleese's term in office ends in November after two terms (14 years) in the job.

Satisfaction levels with her performance are very high, particularly after her role in the recent visit of Queen Elizabeth.