Maria Steen Secures Last-Minute Boost In Presidential Bid As Senator Aubrey McCarthy Signs Nomination

Wednesday, 24 September 2025 08:24

By Martin Osborne

This morning Senator and Punchestown native Aubrey McCarthy has confirmed he will sign her nomination papers, leaving her now just 2 signatures short of the 20 she needs from Oireachtas members to make it onto the ballot.

Maria Steen has received a last-minute boost in her bid to contest the presidential election.

Speaking to Kfm, Senator McCarthy said he is not endorsing Ms Steen, that he is signing her nomination papers to provide "more choice" for the electorate.

He said anybody "who knows me" will know that "I am not conservative, right-wing".

He said he does not know if he would vote for Maria Steen personally but he is used to getting "a bit of a backlash", adding that he is supporting Steen because she is an Independent.

On a meeting with Steen yesterday, he said "we agreed to disagree" on certain topics.

The deadline to submit the paperwork is midday today, and Jim Gavin, Heather Humphrey's and Catherine Connolly are already registered.

Aontu leader Peadar Toibin is appealing for 2 more TD's or Senator's to support Maria Steen.

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