The left-wing independent candidate said there is a ‘golden opportunity’ for Fianna Fail supporters to back her campaign.

In a campaign video entitled Why Should Catherine Connolly Be President Of Ireland?, clips are used of Mr Higgins and his predecessors, Mary McAleese and Mary Robinson.

She answered some questions about her views on the IRA’s campaign of violence as well as her views on Hamas.

The major opposition parties joined her on stage to endorse the left-wing presidential candidate from Galway.

Catherine Connolly was attending the National Ploughing Championships

Following an assessment, the bridge has been found to be structurally compromised.

Presidential candidate Catherine Connolly said there was a need to ‘double down on strengthening UN structures’.

He announced his retirement from live performances in 2018.