By Irishexaminer.com,Tadgh McNally, Political Reporter

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“Our job is to get Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael out of government and to keep them out of the Áras,” Ms McDonald wrote.

“We can elect a President who will champion a United Ireland, stand up for Ireland’s place in the world as a defender of neutrality and human rights, and speak out for fairness and economic justice.

“It’s now game on to elect Catherine Connolly as Ireland’s next President. We will give it our all!”

Ms Connolly welcomed the announcement from the Sinn Féin president, saying she is “heartened” by the party’s support.

“I believe the coalition of left, centre left parties and independents backing my run for president is a welcome change for Irish politics, she said.

“However if I am to be successful I will be a president for all irish people, of all political persuasion or none. See you on the road.”

Speculation had previously surrounded whether Ms McDonald herself, Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill or the party’s deputy leader in the Dail, Pearse Doherty, might run.

Ms McDonald firmly ruled herself out of contention earlier this month, adding that it was her priority to “lead from the front” in holding the current Fianna Fail-Fine Gael coalition to account in the Dail and offer an alternative government.

Ms Connolly – who already claims the backing of the Social Democrats, People Before Profit and large parts of the Labour Party – has said she would welcome the support of Sinn Fein.

Former GAA manager Jim Gavin will contest the election for Fianna Fail while former government minister Heather Humphreys is standing for Fine Gael.

Nominations close on September 24 and the presidential election will take place on October 24.

Outgoing president Michael D Higgins has been in the role since 2011, having served the maximum two terms.

– additional reporting from PA