Maria Steen Enters Presidential Race as Independent Candidate
Dublin: Independent campaigner Maria Steen has formally entered the race for the presidency, announcing that she has secured the backing of ten Oireachtas members ahead of the election scheduled for October 24.
To secure a place on the ballot, a candidate must be nominated by at least 20 members of the Oireachtas—including TDs and senators—or obtain the support of four local authorities. Steen, while currently short of the parliamentary threshold, has expressed confidence that she can secure the support of an additional ten members.
Her announcement follows a series of meetings between the three already-declared candidates and independent TDs. Stein’s entrance was described as a dramatic move, though she did not disclose the full list of supporters.
Those publicly backing her candidacy include Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín, TD Paul Lawless, independent TDs Mattie McGrath and Carol Nolan, and senators Joan Conway, Rónán Mullen, Sharon Keogan, and Sarah O’Reilly. Tóibín indicated that more names would be revealed in the coming days.
Positioning herself as a voice for those who feel politically excluded, Stein said she expects “true democrats” to support her bid and pledged to represent the politically disenfranchised. She added that she would also be seeking nominations from local authorities to strengthen her candidacy.
Steen campaigned for No votes in the abortion and same-sex marriage referendums, as well as in last year’s Family and Care referendums.
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