Taoiseach Micheál Martin backpedaled on claims he would not be attending Catherine Connolly's official presidential announcement in Dublin

As the election approached, veterans such as former taoiseach Bertie Ahern and ex-minister Mary Hanafin were knocking on the door to run for Fianna Fáil. Even Bob Geldof later said he would have “walked it” had he received the backing of Martin.

Ireland's Taoiseach Micheál Martin said his Fianna Fáil party won't direct its supporters to vote in any particular way following Jim Gavin's withdrawal.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said he takes responsibility for backing Jim Gavin as Fianna Fáil's presidential candidate and his dropping out of the race is "a tough day" for the party.

A Garda van was set on fire and one officer left injured after a 'violent' protest broke out outside an asylum hotel in Dublin.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he did not think Bertie Ahern could win an election and that a campaign would have been "bruising" for him.

TODAY WAS TRADE talk Thursday for the Tánaiste and Taoiseach, who travelled in the opposite directions today to spread the word that Ireland is open for business. Tánaiste Simon Harris was in Washington DC today to meet with United States Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick.

Sir Bob Geldof has said he “regrets” not running to be president of Ireland, a day before Irish voters head to the polls to pick their new head of state.

While the count is still ongoing, Heather Humphreys has conceded the Presidential Election to Catherine Connolly who will be declared the new President of Ireland in Dublin Castle when the vote count has ended.

Micheál Martin suggested a specific second tier of child benefit payment will not feature in next month’s budget – but there will be “measures” to support low-income families.

Spokespeople for Micheál Martin confirmed that the Taoiseach would not be in Dublin Castle, where the national results will be declared and where Catherine Connolly will be declared the winner