Irish presidential election candidates confirmed as three-way race begins

"A former government minister, a former sports coach and an independent leftwing politician are to contest Ireland's presidential election. The three-way race was confirmed on Wednesday when the nomination window closed without any political outsiders getting on the ballot. Heather Humphreys, a former cabinet minister, will run for the ruling centre-right Fine Gael party. Jim Gavin, who managed Dublin's Gaelic football team, will represent its centrist coalition partner, Fianna Fail."

"Catherine Connolly, an outspoken pro-Palestinian voice, is backed by small leftwing opposition parties as well as Sinn Fein, which declined to field its own candidate. The election on 24 October will end the 14-year tenure of Michael D Higgins, who has drawn praise and criticism for turning the largely symbolic post into a platform for global issues, notably with regard to Gaza."

"The mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor was one of several political outsiders to express interest in running for the presidency. Photograph: Noam Galai/Getty Images for Cantor Fitzgerald Several prominent figures, including Michael Flatley, Bob Geldof and the anti-immigration mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor who was endorsed by Elon Musk had expressed interest in running but failed to win the backing of four local councils or 20 legislators that was required to get on the ballot."

Heather Humphreys, a former cabinet minister, will run as the Fine Gael candidate. Jim Gavin, former manager of Dublin's Gaelic football team, will run for Fianna Fail. Catherine Connolly, an independent leftwing politician and pro-Palestinian voice, is backed by small leftwing parties and Sinn Fein. The nomination window closed with no political outsiders qualifying for the ballot. Several high-profile outsiders, including Conor McGregor, Michael Flatley and Bob Geldof, sought nominations but failed to secure backing from four local councils or 20 legislators. The election on 24 October will replace Michael D Higgins after his 14-year tenure.

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