Dublin: Ireland will hold its presidential election on Friday, October 24, the PA news agency understands. Housing Minister James Browne is expected to bring a memo to Cabinet on Wednesday to confirm the polling date.

According to Ghana News Agency, Browne discussed the election details with coalition government leaders, including Taoiseach Micheal Martin, Tanaiste Simon Harris, and Minister Sean Canney. The election must occur within 60 days before the end of President Michael D Higgins' second term on November 11.

To qualify as a presidential candidate, individuals must be nominated by either 20 members of parliament or four local authorities and be an Irish citizen over the age of 35. Currently, left-wing independent Catherine Connolly and former Fine Gael minister Heather Humphreys have secured the necessary support to appear on the ballot.

Heather Humphreys emerged as the Fine Gael candidate after her rival, Sean Kelly, withdrew from the race, failing to secure the required nominations. Humphreys will be officially ratified at a party event on September 13, marking the launch of her campaign. In her statement, Humphreys expressed enthusiasm for her nomination and outlined her campaign focus on life experience, community support, and representing Ireland globally.

Meanwhile, Sinn F©in has not yet decided whether to support Connolly or field its own candidate. Fianna F¡il's parliamentary party is also deliberating its stance, with potential candidates like former Dublin gaelic football manager Jim Gavin and EU lawmaker Billy Kelleher seeking the party's endorsement.