Fine Gael has formally agreed to back Michael D Higgins for a second term as president and closed the door on its party councillors supporting a rival for Áras an Uachtaráin.

Fiachra Ó Cionnaith breaks down the potential list of candidates for the Presidential race.

Independents are moving closer to securing the required numbers to get a candidate into the field for a potential presidential race to challenge Michael D Higgins.

President Michael D Higgins has sharply denied he timed his announcement to seek a second term in order to block other candidates from challenging him.

Kevin Sharkey is hoping to be a candidate in the upcoming presidential election.

Okay folks, it’s showtime! The late PJ Mara’s open invitation to electioneer and party would have nothing on President Michael D Higgins, writes Gerard Howlin.

Independent senator Pádraig Ó Céidigh will decide whether to run for the presidency after the Eighth Amendment referendum. He has been offered financial aid for a campaign that could cost half a million euro.

The position of President of Ireland should be contested by way of an election, Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald says, adding that her party has plenty of suitable candidates.

A Kerry man has been awarded damages in the Circuit Civil Court against well-known artist Kevin Sharkey over “highly defamatory” comments he wrote on his Twitter account.

A Kerryman has obtained a temporary court order directing artist Kevin Sharkey to remove an allegedly "highly defamatory" comment he wrote on his Twitter account.

HAVING watched many forgettable, Late Late shows hosted by Gay Byrne, I have to say that Pat's show was just as good if not better than Gaybo’s was.

HUNDREDS flocked to the opening of Cork’s first art fair yesterday, and organiser Maria McMenamin said she was so delighted with the response, she has plans to bring the event back to Leeside next year.

The teams have been named for Saturday's Leddin Finance Leinster Senior Cup final between Co. Carlow v De La Salle Palmerston in Donnybrook.

Carlow and DLSP will both be bidding to win their first Leinster Senior Cup at Donnybrook this evening (7pm).

DLSP, having beaten Trinity on Monday night to reach the Leinster Senior Cup Semi-Final, travel to Limerick on Saturday to face Crescent in the semi-final of AIL Division 2.

DLSP XV v Ballynahinch, Saturday March 8, at Kilternan