President Michael D Higgins was repeatedly attacked for his “extravagant” lifestyle and Learjet trips amid claims that he “could not lie straight in bed” over spending during tonight's high-profile presidential debate.

President Michael D Higgins’ use of the Government Learjet to an event in Belfast cost the taxpayer about €5,670.

With the incumbent President Michael D Higgins so far ahead in the race, it was only a matter of time before things became somewhat farcical.

Last week, Casey revealed he didn't like Gallagher "because he's not very nice".

The mock Presidential election and a student council ballot were run together, by second-year pupils at the school.

He lugs his sense of injustice around like a piece of election literature, writes Michael Clifford.

All six presidential candidates will take part in a televised debate on Wednesday after Michael D Higgins and Sean Gallagher sat out of last night's debate with Claire Byrne on RTE.

Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo!

Here's your lunchtime bulletin.

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Here's your morning bulletin.

Sean Gallagher has hit out at President Michael D Higgins for his "unwillingness to participate in all debates".

Catch up on the headlines this lunchtime...

Presidential candidate Sean Gallagher said he "could not even begin to countenance" the return of a hard border on the island of Ireland post-Brexit.

Businessman Seán Gallagher insists that the race to become President is not yet over even though Michael D Higgins appears to be assured of victory.

President Michael D Higgins has insisted he will not engage in dirty tricks in order to be re-elected.

His writing’s on the wall — literally.

Journalists should remember that it’s part of the job to treat everyone equally in this campaign, writes Alison O’Connor

Four men and two women are in the mix for next month’s presidential election. Rebecca Black looks at their lives and careers as they embark on their election campaigns Michael D Higgins.

President Michael D Higgins and his main rival for the Áras, Sean Gallagher, are set to miss the opening debate in the race for the presidency.

Journalist Gemma O’Doherty has failed to secure the required number of county councils to contest the presidential race.

Journalist Gemma O’Doherty’s chances of becoming an official candidate in the presidential election race have dwindled dramatically after another council voted not to nominate anyone to contest next month’s vote.

If I mention the race for the Áras, will you turn the page? You won’t? Many thanks.

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has denied Seán Gallagher is a “proxy candidate” for the party, claiming the label is “ridiculous” — despite ongoing support from grassroots members.

Presidential elections are that rare example of turkeys voting for Christmas, in the sense that except for a single bird destined to nest in the Áras, the others will be roughly stuffed before being roasted.

The race for Áras an Uachtaráin is officially underway.

Your lunchtime news bulletin.

President Michael D Higgins is expected to make a statement outlining his campaign intentions when his nomination papers for the race for the park are submitted later this month.

Pieta House founder Joan Freeman believes the country is ready for a different type of presidency.

The presidential race opened up last night with the decision by Cork City Council to endorse Joan Freeman as their preferred candidate.

Presidential challenger Sean Gallagher blames an RTÉ TV programme for changing the outcome of the 2011 race for the Park, but denies being bitter about the controversy.

Latest: Businessman and Presidential hopeful Gavin Duffy has expressed his delight at securing the nomination of Meath Co Council to contest this year's Presidential election.

Presidential hopeful and Dragons Den star Peter Casey has said that Ireland's neutrality is outdated as he called on the country to align itself with NATO.

Would-be presidential candidate Kevin Sharkey has said he was called the N-word just six weeks ago and made a plea to be nominated as “Ireland’s first black president” to send out a message to racists.

As businessman Sean Gallagher enters the race for the Áras for the second time, consideration should be given to changing the date of the presidential inauguration which has been set for Sunday, November 11. The date is determined by the fact that the the term in office of Michael D Higgins ends on November 10 and the ceremony for the new president is traditionally held the following day.

Here's all you need to know this lunchtime.

Michael D Higgins must reimburse taxpayers for using publicly funded services, including cars, offices, or staff at Áras an Uachtaráin during his campaign for re-election, the State’s ethics watchdog has declared.

Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil councillors are reportedly "adopting" Sean Gallagher as their preferred presidential contender out of anger that their calls to run a candidate are being ignored by both parties' hierarchy.

Freelance journalist Gemma O'Doherty has announced her intention to run for the presidency.

Michael D Higgins’s hold on the presidency is “vulnerable” and could allow for a shock Seán Gallagher win if the businessman targets his rival’s one-term U-turn, his age, and record compared to previous presidents.

Good morning. I would like to take the opportunity of this column to announce that I will not be running for the office of the presidency.

Businessman and TV personality Gavin Duffy will formally enter the presidential race within a week after leaning heavily on Fianna Fáil to allow councillors to nominate a contender for the role.

MEP Seán Kelly has called on Fine Gael to reconsider allowing a candidate to contest the presidency as he reiterated his desire to run for the Áras.

So we’re going to have an election for the office of the presidency. That’s very good news. As of now, it’s likely to be a two-candidate race, with a strong possibility of a third (maybe even a fourth) comingthrough the local authority route. That’s better.