The Guardian view on Ireland's presidential election: a contest with consequences | Editorial

"The idea that the next head of state might be an elected one is as remote from British experience as a visit to the far side of the moon. But it is hardly an unthinkable proposition, and you do not have to travel as far as the moon to see such a process taking place in a smooth and dignified manner."

"In fact, you only have to travel to Ireland. Next month, Ireland will elect a successor to President Michael D Higgins, who has served two seven-year terms as the occupant of Aras an Uachtarain (in bygone days the Viceregal Lodge) in Dublin's Phoenix Park. Mr Higgins has done the largely ceremonial job with charm, toughness and imagination. He has been good for Ireland, and good for British-Irish relations at a difficult time."

"When the presidential nomination process opened this month there was much talk of celebrity candidates, including Michael Flatley, Bob Geldof, Padraig Harrington, Conor McGregor and the TV meteorologist Joanna Donnelly. But the rules, which require nominations from Dail members or local authorities, give such candidates little chance of collecting enough support. Predictably, when nominations closed this week, it turned out that the final choice will be between three political nominees, as it has often been in the past."

"Ireland's next president will therefore be the winner of a contest on 24 October between Jim Gavin, backed by the country's largest party, Fianna Fail, Heather Humphreys from its government coalition partner, Fine Gael, and the independent Dail member Catherine Connolly, who is backed by Sinn Fein and by a group of smaller parties, including Labour and the Social Democrats."

Ireland will elect a successor to President Michael D Higgins next month after his two seven-year terms at Aras an Uachtarain in Phoenix Park. Mr Higgins performed largely ceremonial duties with charm, toughness and imagination and strengthened British-Irish relations, including a 2014 state visit to Britain. The presidential nomination rules require backing from Dail members or local authorities, limiting celebrity candidacies. The final contest on 24 October will feature Jim Gavin (Fianna Fail), Heather Humphreys (Fine Gael) and independent Catherine Connolly (backed by Sinn Fein, Labour and the Social Democrats). Early polling puts Ms Humphreys narrowly ahead.

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