Presidential election latest: Maria Steen edges closer to nomination as deadline looms

Independent candidate Maria Steen is edging closer to being nominated to contest the presidential election ahead of Wednesday’s deadline.

Just after noon on Tuesday, Independent Ireland confirmed that its four TDs would sign Ms Steen’s nomination papers.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the party said: “We were impressed by her honesty, her candour, and her ability to clearly communicate her views and vision for the presidency.

“We were particularly struck by her determination to be a genuine voice for the people of Ireland who feel ignored and unrepresented by the political establishment.”

That leaves Ms Steen just three short of the magic number of 20 Oireachtas nominations needed to secure a place on the ballot.

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Although the official deadline is not until 12pm on Wednesday, Ms Steen believes she needs to secure the three more signatures before Tuesday night.

She is believed to be in contact with a number of TDs and senators.

Senator Michael McDowell, who played a key role alongside Ms Steen in defeating the family & home referenda last year, is yet to publicly back or nominate a candidate.

Independent TDs Sean Ganney, Noel Grealish and Michael Lowry have all been mentioned as possible backers.

Dublin Mid-West TD Paul Gogarty previously indicated he may nominate Ms Steen if she was close to securing her place on the ballot.

Meanwhile, over 70 independent councillors from across the country have signed a letter calling on the remaining independent Oireachtas members to nominate Ms Steen.