Maria Steen closer to making ballot after Independent Ireland back her campaign

James Cox

Independent Ireland has announced it will sign the nomination papers for Independent candidate for president Maria Steen, bringing her very close to enough support to get on the ballot.

Minister of State Marian Harkin previously added her support to Ms Steen's campaign.

Ms Steen needs the backing of 20 members of the Oireachtas, and now has the support from either 17 or 18 candidates.

Independent Ireland has four TDs who have added their names to Ms Steen's campaign.

In a statement, Ms Harkin said: “I have signed the presidential election nomination papers for Maria Steen.

“As a member of the Oireachtas I have two votes in the presidential election and will use both -one to nominate a candidate whose name can appear on the ballot paper, in this case Maria Steen, and the other to vote for my preferred candidate, Heather Humphreys.”

Minister of State Michael Healy-Rae previously revealed he would nominate Ms Steen, like Ms Harkin he said he would be voting for Heather Humphreys and that the nomination was to support the "spirit of fairness and respect for the democratic process".

Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín has been leading the efforts in the Oireachtas to rally support for Ms Steen's campaign.

Nominations close on Wednesday, and it is understood Ms Steen met Independent Ireland TDs on Monday to request their support.

Ms Steen will now be working against a tight deadline to receive three or more nominations before Wednesday.

Independent TD for Dublin Mid-West Paul Gogarty indicated he may add his nomination if Ms Steen is only a couple away from securing her place on the ballot.

Mr Healy-Rae's brother Danny may be another TD she looks to for today.

Ms Steen is understood to be making herself available to TDs and senators throughout the day before the nomination window closes at noon on Wednesday.