Catherine Connolly is running against Fine Gael candidate Heather Humphreys in a race to become Ireland’s next president.

The independent candidate said that questions put to her about hiring the woman have ‘backfired’.

Mr Martin also said he was ‘glad to see that that has been resolved’ in relation to Mr Gavin reportedly repaying his former tenant.

‘I need all the votes I can get, there’s no question about that,’ Fine Gael’s Heather Humphreys said.

TD for the Dublin Fingal West constituency, Louise O'Reilly, particularly emphasised the role Adams could have played in advancing Irish unity

Who do you think performed the best in the election campaign's first televised debate? Let us know by answering our poll!

The three presidential election candidates are left-wing independent Catherine Connolly, Fianna Fáil's candidate Jim Gavin, and Fine Gael’s Heather Humphreys.

Fingal is the first local authority in the country to decide on its position on a presidential candidate.

Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin are set to finalise their candidates this week.

When asked about her background as a Presbyterian from Ulster, Ms Humphreys said she wants to be a president for all the people of the island of Ireland.

The presidential candidate also said she had been energised by a visit to the Electric Picnic music festival.

Established political figures like Catherine Connolly and Mairead McGuinness are lining up alongside unconventional candidates to succeed outgoing President Michael D Higgins.

Mr Higgins wrote to the Arraiolos Group, an informal organisation representing presidents of EU countries which meets once a year.

Former UFC fighter McGregor would require the nomination of 20 members of the Oireachtas, or four local authorities to get on this year's ballot paper.

Candidates from outside the world of politics include GAA President Jarlath Burns (16/1) and RTÉ presenter Miriam O’Callaghan (20/1).

The Sunday Independent/Ireland Thinks poll saw a list of 14 potential presidential candidates put to the public with the question: 'Which of the following would you vote for in an Irish Presidential election in 2025?'

How much do you know about Ireland's heads of state and the presidential election process? Take our quiz to find out!

The President urged other countries to ’emulate Ireland’s example’ and increase aid funding to UNRWA

Michael D Higgins also said ‘our hearts are made heavy’ by the loss of so many young lives in the Middle East conflict.