Updated 19:45

Two of the six confirmed candidates for the presidency officially submitted their nomination papers today.

President Michael D Higgins submitted his papers confirming his pitch for a second term this afternoon – and announced plans to formally launch his campaign on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Sinn Féin candidate Liadh Ní Riada signed and submitted her papers this morning.

In a tweet she said her campaign is about “shaping and creating a New Ireland, one that is united and that challenges the social & economic inequality faced by so many every day.”

Businessman Gavin Duffy submitted his papers last Friday, while his Dragon’s Den colleague Sean Gallagher is expected to do so tomorrow.

In a statement President Higgins said he has been “honoured to serve Ireland and its people” over the Past seven years.

“The President of Ireland must have experience, judgement, understanding and empathy, as well as a vision for our nation and its communities,” he said.

“In the forthcoming campaign, I will outline my vision for Ireland’s future, and my proposals for further encouraging participation, promoting equality, and deepening Ireland’s relationships with our neighbours, near and far, in a challenging international environment. 

“I am very much looking forward to an active campaign, which I hope will be driven by ideas and values so that citizens can make an informed choice on 26th October.”

Local authority nominations

It comes after three more county councils voted not to nominate a candidate for the presidency – essentially bringing the local authority nomination process to a close.

Cork, Sligo and Kildare Councils voted against nominating a candidate this morning, meaning there are no longer enough votes available to get anyone else on the ballot.

It means journalist Gemma O’Doherty will likely be disappointed despite receiving her first nomination from Laois County Council today.

She could still enter the race by securing the backing of 20 sitting members of the Oireachtas.

However, it is understood the majority of Independents are struggling to agree on a candidate with the Wednesday afternoon deadline fast approaching.

As it stands, there are six names in the running.

President Michael D Higgins has put himself forward for a second term, while Sinn Féin has put forward MEP Liadh Ní Riada.

Dragons Den stars Sean Gallagher, Gavin Duffy and Peter Casey all received the backing of four local authorities – as did Independent Senator Joan Freeman.

Nominations close at noon on Wednesday.

Presidential debate

Meanwhile a row has broken out among those who have secured a nomination ahead of the campaign’s first debate.

Seán Gallagher has threatened to pull out of Wednesday’s RTÉ Radio debate – if President Michael D Higgins does not appear.

It remains unclear whether President Higgins will debate his opponents during the campaign.

This afternoon, candidate Peter Casey said he can understand why Seán Gallagher might want to skip the debate, noting that “it didn’t work out to well for him the last time.”

“I am serious about my presidential bid and will be attending all of the debates in the interest of voters,” he said.

Democratic process

“All candidates who were nominated should participate in debates as they have a responsibility to the public to share their views and their vision for the presidency so voters know and understand what they are voting for.”

In a statement, Mr Gallagher said: ““Election debates are an important part of the democratic process and they need to be centred on the principle of inclusivity and fairness for all candidates.”

He said it is “crucial that all candidates participate fully in debates to allow the electorate hear of their vision for the next seven years of the Presidency.”

He said he has publicly committed to “participating in all debates which include all candidates.”