Updated 12:50pm
The presidential election is set to be held on Friday October 26th, the Housing Minister has confirmed.
Eoghan Murphy made the announcement this morning, and said he will sign the formal order for the election later today.
The order has to be issued by the Government before any candidates can lodge their nomination papers.
It will kick start the window when county councils and Oireachtas members can formally back candidates, and those wishing to challenge Michael D Higgins can lodge their papers.
Minister Murphy explained: "In two days time, the nomination period will commence for a presidential election - that will run from 10 o'clock on the morning of the 30th of August, until 12 noon on the 26th of September."
It's expected the election will cost the State upwards of €15 million.
Presidential hopefuls
Eight candidates sought the support of local authorities during sittings of Meath, Kildare and Westmeath councils yesterday.
Those who have declared their interest include entrepreneur Gavin Duffy, Senator Joan Freeman, journalist Gemma O'Doherty and artist Kevin Sharkey.
The runner-up in the 2011 election Sean Gallagher had indicated he will make is intentions clear after the writ is issued - and today it was confirmed he'll announce his plans tomorrow.
Statement from Seán Gallagher:
“Seán Gallagher will make a formal announcement in the morning in relation to the upcoming Presidential election, now that the Order for the 2018 Presidential Election has been officially signed by Minister Eoghan Murphy.” #Áras18
— Sean Defoe (@SeanDefoe) August 28, 2018
Sinn Féin is also set to put forward their own nominee.
As the incumbent, President Higgins can nominate himself, while other candidates will require the support of either 20 members of the Oireachtas or four of the county / city councils.
The nomination stage is set to close a month before the election itself, with the vote to take place on the Friday of the October bank holiday weekend.
Reporting by Sean Defoe and Stephen McNeice
