#presidential-campaign

#presidential-campaign

Crucial swing bloc will not back her nomination until she secures at least 16 signatures. Conservative activist Maria Steen suffered a major blow to her ­presidential hopes last night, just hours after announcing on the plinth at Leinster House that she had 10 Oireachtas backers and that her campaign was under way. Michael Collins, leader of Independent Ireland, said its crucial swing bloc of four votes would not consider backing Ms Steen until she had 16 signatures.

Alan Kelly's criticism of party's backing for Independent candidate raises questions for leader Ivana Bacik

Presidential hopeful Gareth Sheridan has opened his campaign by claiming there is a 'coordinated attack' on his character 'by people associated with and in the Seán Gallagher circle.'