Presidential election looking increasingly like three-horse race

James Cox

Here, we have a look at the issues likely to dominate political discourse in the week to come.

Three-horse race for the Áras?

The presidential election is looking increasingly likely to be a three-horse race between Jim Gavin (Fianna Fáil), Heather Humphreys (Fine Gael) and Independent Catherine Connolly.

Sinn Féin is yet to declare a candidate, and despite positive polling party leader Mary Lou McDonald has ruled herself out.

If the party does put a candidate forward, it will change the outlook, but Ms Connolly remains hopeful they will back her candidacy.

A host of unlikely candidates including Conor McGregor, Peter Casey and Dolores Cahill vying for council approval, this route remains improbable.

Independent candidate Maria Steen has the backing of 10 Oireachtas members, but is still 10 short of a nomination.

Over one fifth of people say they would vote for Heather Humphreys to become president, according to the latest opinion poll.

Some 22 per cent of 1,000 respondents in the Business Post/RED C poll gave their first preference to the Fine Gael candidate.

Former Dublin manager and Fianna Fáil hopeful Jim Gavin received 18 per cent of first preference votes, while Independent candidate Catherine Connolly received 17 per cent.

Budget

The Budget will be unveiled on October 7th and with it fast-approaching talk will soon turn to what may be in store.

Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary has said a two-tier child benefit will not feature this time, despite speculation.

EU Gaza resolution

An EU resolution on Gaza is a "positive step" but "disappointing, particularly on stronger language in describing what is happening in Gaza as a genocide", according to an Irish MEP.

There was much debate in the European Parliament this week before the resolution passed with 305 votes in favour, 151 against, and 122 abstentions.

The resolution pledged to "combat famine" in Gaza, but left out stronger language on Israel's actions.

In an interview with BreakingNews.ie, Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh said: "I welcome the fact that the Parliament passed a resolution on the atrocities in Gaza. Sadly some in the Parliament feel Israel has a right to defend itself by committing the atrocities we are seeing.

"Ultimately it passed, a couple of things fell through which I was really disappointed with, particularly on stronger language in describing what is happening in Gaza as a genocide. It falls short in that way... Ireland and a couple of countries are leading the way in bringing a humanitarian approach to what is happening in Gaza to the EU.

"Stronger wording and more action is needed."

Abroad

In the UK, prime minister Keir Starmer is coming under increasing pressure after ambassador to the US Peter Mandelson was sacked over his association with Jeffrey Epstein.

Mr Starmer has denied he had any knowledge of the messages between Mandelson and the child sex offender, but opposition politicians have raised questions over the prime minister's previous backing of Mandelson.

In the US, the nation is still reeling from the assassination of far-right influencer and Donald Trump associate Charlie Kirk.