Former RTÉ meteorologist Joanna Donnelly seeks nomination for Irish presidency bid

Former RTÉ meteorologist Joanna Donnelly has confirmed that she is seeking a nomination to contest the Irish Presidential Election. 

On Tuesday evening, the mother-of-three told RTÉ Radio 1's Drivetime show that she has emailed all 31 county councils to express her interest. The Dublin native also confirmed that she had not been approached by any political party.

Ms Donnelly said that while the last 20 years of her career have been “wonderful”, she felt the most motivated in recent years when advocating for Stem and climate justice.

“There isn’t a better voice than the highest office in the country,” she said in relation to this. 

The former Met Éireann worker stated she has "thought long and hard about this and exposing myself to this" and examined what she feels makes her a potential candidate. 

“I put myself into what I want from a president. What are the qualities I would look for when I’m putting my X beside a name? I want somebody that has demonstrated trust, empathy, non-political. I want dignity. I want education.

“Those are the qualities that I’m looking for and I examined myself. Are those qualities that I can bring and that the public would believe that I have?

“I’ve put myself out there because I have strong feelings and because I believe that a candidate has to have certain qualities that I believe I have. I’m yet to see a candidate that ticks all my boxes," the former Dancing With The Stars Ireland contestant shared. 

So far in the race for the Irish presidency, left-wing independent Catherine Connolly – who has the backing of various opposition parties – and former Fine Gael minister Heather Humphreys are the only candidates who have secured the support needed to get on the presidential ballot paper.

Ms Humphrey’s candidacy was confirmed after Sean Kelly dropped out of contention, having determined he would not reach the required nomination of at least 20 members of the Fine Gael parliamentary party, 25 councillors and five members of the Fine Gael executive council.

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Ms Humphreys was the only candidate to reach that threshold by the time the nomination window closed on Tuesday.

Her name will go forward for ratification at a party event on Saturday September 13, which will be the official campaign launch.

Ms Humphreys said in a statement she was “delighted” to receive the Fine Gael nomination. “I love this country, it has made me everything I am and given me everything I have,” she said.

“My campaign will focus on my life experience as I ask citizens to trust me with their vote to be president of this great country.

“I will be a candidate with a vision; with experience and with a track record of supporting communities; bringing people together and representing Ireland on the world stage.

“I’m not promising perfection but I promise honesty, compassion and service.

“I’m excited about the campaign and really looking forward to getting out on the ground to meet the people and set out my vision," she concluded. 

Sinn Fein has yet to announce whether it will support Ms Connolly or run its own candidate.

Fianna Fail’s parliamentary party is expected to make a decision on the presidential election in the early autumn.

Senior party figures have expressed support for former Dublin GAA manager and retired army officer Jim Gavin, while the party’s MEP Billy Kelleher also announced his intention to seek the party’s backing.

In more recent news, the Irish Presidential Election is believed to be on Friday October 24, it is understood.

Housing Minister James Browne will bring a memo to Cabinet this Wednesday (September 3) confirming the polling date, the PA news agency understands.

Mr Browne spoke to coalition government leaders Taoiseach Micheal Martin, Tanaiste Simon Harris and Minister Sean Canney on Tuesday afternoon.

A presidential election must take place in the 60 days before the second term of Michael D Higgins ends on November 11.

To be eligible to run, a candidate must be nominated either by 20 members of the Oireachtas or four local authorities.

They also must be an Irish citizen over the age of 35.