Maria Steen backed by 10 Oireachtas members in her bid to join race for the Áras

Ms Steen has the public backing of eight TDs and senators, and another two are expected to endorse her in the coming days

Maria Steen, a barrister and member of the Catholic advocacy group the Iona Institute, met with Oireachtas members at a caucus arranged by Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín. Picture: Sam Boal/Collins

Ten Oireachtas members are said to have backed Maria Steen in her bid to get on the ballot for the presidential election.

Ms Steen secured the public backing of eight TDs and senators, while another two have given a commitment and are expected to make a statement in the coming days, according to Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín.

It is understood that the barrister won the group’s support following a meeting at which three other potential candidates also sought support, including businessman Declan Ganley. 

Following the meeting, Mr Ganley declared his own support for Ms Steen on social media, saying she would “occupy the office with the dignity our country deserves”.

Speaking outside Leinster House, Ms Steen said the Irish people deserve a candidate other than an “establishment candidate”.

“I am an Independent candidate, and I look forward to representing the voice of the people,” she said.

I also look forward to persuading the Irish people, like I did the TDs and senators today, to put their trust in me so that I can be a president for everybody. 

The eight members who announced their support for her bid are Mr Tóibín, Mattie McGrath, Paul Lawless, Rónán Mullen, Joe Conway, Sharon Keogan, Carol Nolan, and Sarah O’Reilly.

A member of Catholic advocacy group the Iona Institute, Ms Steen previously campaigned for a no vote on the marriage equality and abortion referendums.

Yesterday, Ms Steen denied that many of her political beliefs have been rejected by the Irish people, pointing to last year’s family and care referendums: “I met a number of wonderful women who had been on the other side of the abortion debate to me in 2018 and together we worked to defeat the Government’s proposal to change and take the words woman, mother, and home out of the Constitution.”

In order to get on the ballot next month, Ms Steen would need to secure the support of a further 10 Oireachtas members, which she feels “confident” she can achieve.

Alternatively, she can be nominated by four local authorities — a route she has already begun pursuing. Ms Steen said she will continue to attend council meetings as scheduled while also meeting with TDs and senators over the coming days.