FF Senator O'Murchu considers run for presidency as Independent

Fianna Fáil Senator Labhras O'Murchu has said he is confident that he has strong support to run as an Independent candidate for the Aras.

Fianna Fáil is to decide next Tuesday whether to allow TDs and Senators a free vote to support a presidential candidate of their choice.

A six-hour party meeting to decide on who to support broke up without agreement last night with TDs and Senators split over the prospect of backing Senator O'Murchu.

Meanwhile, Senator David Norris is to appear on 'The Late Late Show' this evening, when he is expected to outline his reasons for re-entering the race for the Aras.

It is also understood Sinn Féin could name its candidate today.

Mr O'Murchu, who is 71, will need the backing of 20 members of the Oireachtas to run.

He is rejecting suggestions that he is only trying to get on the ballot paper to hurt the campaigns of David Norris and Sinn Féin.