Independent TD Fleming declares for McGuinness

Independent TD Tom Fleming has been named as the second of three Oireachtas members supporting Martin McGuinness' bid for the Presidency.

The Kerry South deputy's name was revealed after his constituency colleague Michael Healy Rae earlier confirmed to Radio Kerry that he is also supporting the Sinn Féin Deputy First Minister's candidacy.

The name of the third Independent has yet to be revealed.

Mr McGuinness needs 20 nominations from Oireachtas members. Seventeen of them will likely come from Sinn Féin representatives.

He will be confirmed as the party's candidate after a meeting of the Ard Comhairle tomorrow.

Meanwhile, David Norris is also attempting to secure the backing of 20 Oireachtas members to re-enter the race.

Labour candidate Michael D Higgins was on the campaign trail in Dublin today, where he said he was not put off by the number of candidates in the field.

"I'm not worried about any candidate at all entering the race…I'll take my chances."