“Our job is to get Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael out of government and to
keep them out of the Áras,” party leader Mary McDonald said in a social
media post.

“Anois an am. Anois uair na cinniúna. [Now is the time. Now is the
decision hour].

“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!”

It comes after Ms McDonald earlier this week said her party’s decision
would be a “game changer”, igniting rumours that a sports celebrity
could get the nod. Earlier this month, Ms McDonald herself appeared set

However, Ms Connolly has already won support from the Labour Party,
People Before Profit, the Social Democrats and the Green Party, as well
as other left-wing independents. Sinn Féin’s backing therefore completes
an opposition alliance which will hope to capitalise on the strong
affection for the outgoing President and fellow left-wing Galwegian, Michael D Higgins.

On 24 October, the veteran activist will go up against the only other
two candidates so far nominated, Fine Gael former minister Heather
Humphreys and Fianna Fáil’s choice of Dublin GAA coach Jim Gavin.

A number of other prospective independent candidates, including
businessman Gareth Sheridan, conservative campaigner Maria Steen and
former lord mayor of Cork Kieran McCarthy, are seeking the support of
local authorities and Oireachtas members to secure a place on the ballot
before nominations close on Wednesday.

Nominations close on 24 September.