While there have been some increases in defence spending, they are "window dressing" and need to be accelerated dramatically, according to a former TD and deputy commander of the Army Ranger Wing

Cork MEP Billy Kelleher is seeking the support of colleagues in a bid for the Fianna Fáil presidential nomination

The presidential candidate said she believed people in NI should be allowed to vote in the Áras election.

The independent TD for Galway visited Belfast.

The independent said Michael D Higgins had been ‘courageous’ while in the role and that she would look to continue in that vein.

Presidential candidate Catherine Connolly said there was a need to ‘double down on strengthening UN structures’.

People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy said Catherine Connolly is the ‘best-positioned progressive left candidate’ to stop Fine Gael or Fianna Fail.

MEP Seán Kelly says he's reconsidering whether to run for the presidency after Mairead McGuinness withdrew from the running

Mairead McGuinness said she made the 'very difficult decision' to stand down following a stay in hospital last week.

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

The former Labour party leader said ‘one should always keep one’s options open’, when asked if would rule out a bid for the role.

Kerry TD Michael Healy-Rae could be a "dark horse" in the presidential race, according to former minister Ivan Yates

The left-wing Galway West representative said she wants to show that Ireland can be a ‘different type’ of country.

Independent Galway TD Catherine Connolly is expected to announce her intention to run for the presidency on Wednesday.

Independent Galway TD Catherine Connolly has already received the backing of the Social Democrats and People Before Profit.

Connolly is an independent politician who has served as a TD for the Galway West constituency since 2016.

Independent TD Catherine Connolly has confirmed she will launch her presidential election bid next week