Independents close in on numbers to secure 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.

Mr Higgins this week confirmed he will seek a second seven-year term and will offer himself as a candidate when the ministerial order for an election is made later this year.

If other candidates decide they want to contest the election, they will need the backing of either 20 members of the Oireachtas or four local authorities.