Mary Lou to mull list for Áras

Sinn Féin remains convinced of the need for a presidential election, with party leader Mary Lou McDonald saying she is mulling over a list of names before a party meeting later this month.

Many TDs and senators in Leinster House are still considering whether to back a candidate, with Independent minister Finian McGrath insisting that President Michael D Higgins should not secure a second seven-year term unchallenged.

Amid mounting demands for the President to clarify his intention about a second term, a spokesman for Mr Higgins last night reiterated he “will make his intentions known in due course”.