Presidential candidates hit the campaign trail in Meath

Two presidential hopefuls were in Meath this week on the campaign trail.

Independent Joan Freeman visited Navan yesterday (Monday) and took in a visit to the Navan Soup Kitchen.

"Delighted to call into Navan Soup Kitchen and meet Mark and Cathleen. It is such an excellent example of volunteerism in the community. Completely staffed by volunteers, they provide a valuable service for over 720 weekly customers, seven days a week and free of charge," she tweeted afterwards.

Mark O'Neill, who runs the soup kitchen said she spent almost three quarters of an hour in the facility

"She said it was unfortunate that we have to have soup kitchens but she was delighted we are here and catering for the people that need it," Mark explained.

Sinn Fein's candidate Laidh Ní Riada was in Colaiste Phobail Rathcairn today (Tuesday) and did a Radio na Gaeltacta interview and a walkabout in the village. She then travelled to Navan for the launch of the Angel Pins fundraising initiative for the IWA and a walk around Navan Shopping Centre.

Meanwhile, Gavan Duffy, Independent canidiate from Julianstown had a tough grilling on the Sean O'Rourke programme on RTE Radio 1 on Tuesday morning, while Meath branch of Young Fine Gael has declared its support for the incumbent, President Michael D Higgins.