Keeping count of the hats in the Presidential election ring

So far, the only two contenders for the post of President when Michael D Higgins retires on Armstice Day, 11th November, are Drumconrath's Mairead McGuinness, awaiting ratification from Fine Gael, and the Independent TD, Catherine Connolly from Galway, who has the 20 nominations needed to stand.

Last week, flanked by 14 TDs and Senators who are supporting her bid, including members of the Social Democrats, People Before Profit and Independents, the former leas ceann comhairle said she was standing for the office to make Ireland better and to make the country live up to its name as a Republic.

So far, the list of possible presidential hopefuls has been something of a media circus, with dancer Michael Flatley, former chief medical officer, Tony Holohan, broadcaster Olivia O'Leary, former Labour leader, Pat Rabbitte,and singer and senator, Frances Black, ruling themselves in or out, or undecided.

The other two main political parties - Fianna Fáil and Sinn Fein - seem to be playing chicken to see how it pans out over the summer. Their respective leaders, Micheal Martin and Mary Lou McDonald, are credible candidates, and Mary Lou hasn't said yay or nay, while Eamon de Valera's grandson, Eamon O Cuiv, this morning (Tuesday) emerged as another Fianna Fail possibility, following Mary Hanafin, Bertie Ahern, Maura Geoghegan-Quinn, Peter Power and Cynthia Ni Mhurchu.

The name of researcher, author, and broadcaster, Professor Deirdre Heenan of Ulster University, a former member of President Higgins' Council of State, has also been floated, as Fianna Fáil could try to repeat the Mary McAleese success.

Meath West TD and Aontu leader, Peadar Toibin, says his party has been in talks with interesting "characters" who are possibilities, but he would need to have others on board to nominate anybody.

The upcoming election has not yet caught the public's imagination, but that will change after the summer silly season.