Sean Gallagher is expected to confirm his bid for the presidency later.
The businessman lost out to Michael D Higgins in the 2011 election.
A number of county councillors have called on Mr Gallagher to enter the race, and he's due to make a statement on his intentions later.
The Government formally gave the order for the election yesterday, meaning candidates can officially get on the ballot paper from tomorrow.
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A man has died following a collision on the M1, the main Dublin to Belfast road.
It happened on the M1 Southbound between Junction 5 and Junction 4.
Motorists are advised that section of the road is closed while gardaí carry out a forensic examination.
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Parts of Belfast city centre remain off limits to the public this morning in the wake of a huge fire that's destroyed a Primark store.
Firefighters remained on site overnight amid fears that the remains of 'Bank Buildings' could collapse.
The historic building dates back to 1787, and had recently been refurbished.
Road closures in and around the building were in place overnight and traffic delays are expected in the area.
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The Government's being accused of letting rural Ireland 'wither away' following the announcement that 159 post offices are to close.
Fianna Fáil TD Timmy Dooley says it's unacceptable and will disproportionately affect the elderly and vulnerable within the community.
The biggest number of the closures will be in Co Galway, then Donegal, Cork and Kerry.
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Two gardaí have been injured after their unmarked patrol car was rammed in Donegal.
It happened in in Carrigart in the north-west of the county.
The unmarked patrol car was rammed 'several times' by a black Volkswagen Passat, which then fled the scene.
The two gardaí in the car at the time were injured, but did not require hospital treatment.
