Seven candidates to contest Presidency, nominations close at noon

There will be seven candidates contesting the Presidential election when nominations close at noon today.

It is the largest field ever, and the first that Fianna Fáil will not be contesting.

Last night Senator David Norris became the final candidate to secure a nomination after Dublin City councillors voted to put him in the race.

The final list of candidates - Senator Norris, Dana Scallon, Mary Davis, Seán Gallagher, Gay Mitchell, Martin McGuinness and Michael D Higgins - will be formally announced when nominations close at midday.