The Taoiseach said former pop star Geldof was one of a number of people who had expressed an interest in running for the role.

‘This is about the presidency, its not about Fianna Fáil,’ the party leader said.

The presidential candidate also said she had been energised by a visit to the Electric Picnic music festival.

Independent TD Catherine Connolly has confirmed she will launch her presidential election bid next week

Mairead McGuinness has pulled out of the presidential race and said the decision was made as a result of medical advice.

Here, we have a look at the issues likely to dominate political discourse in the week to come

Former minister Mary Hanafin is to seek the Fianna Fáil nomination to contest the presidential election