Parties in early discussions on fielding a combined left-wing candidate for the presidency

One Sinn Féin source said a key ask will be that whomever is backed supports a united Ireland

There is no consensus candidate for Sinn Féin, Labour and the Social Democrats, though independent TD Catherine Connolly is seen as one potential candidate. File picture: Arthur Carron/Collins

The prospect of a combined presidential candidate being run by Ireland's left-wing parties will become clearer in the coming weeks as Sinn Féin canvasses its members.

A number of early discussions have taken place between Sinn Féin, Labour and the Social Democrats about putting forward a candidate to succeed Michael D Higgins without any concrete proposals around how a candidate would be selected.