Ireland is one of Europe’s most referendum-happy nations - that is not without its pitfalls

Inside Politics podcast with Hugh Linehan

Fine Gael to consider options in coming days, with senior party figures keen to find another candidate

After Mairead McGuinness’s department, none of the three main parties even has a candidate

Potential candidate’s supporters commission research to explore viability for run in presidential race

Businessman founded Nutriband while studying for a degree – now it’s listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange

Some are virtually unknown while others are plainly unfit to hold the office

From Michael Flatley to 35-year-old pharma CEO Gareth Sheridan, councillors’ goodwill is the best route to the Áras

Fine Gael’s Mairead McGuinness and Independent Catherine Connolly are on the start line, but Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin continue to prevaricate

Unsuccessful candidates whose vote reaches a quarter of the quota are also in line for same increased level of refunds

Presidential candidate flew to New Zealand and attended gala dinner after sustaining ‘severe injuries’

In the News podcast: Catherine Connolly and Mairead McGuinness have declared

Plus Catherine Connolly’s limo life, national anthem lessons and a recession-busting ruse in waiting

Businessman has assembled team of advisers and has had contact with ‘some very weighted individuals’

Catherine Connolly next most popular in Irish Times/Ipsos B&A poll, but many voters not engaged in Áras race

Fine Gael hopeful is seen as a superb communicator and ‘parliament whisperer’, but her proximity to Ursula von der Leyen may not be an electoral asset

Businessman, who finished second in 2011 campaign, had recently been seen speaking to Independent TDs in Leinster House

Analysis: Fine Gael support is close to a historic low and depends on older and middle-class voters

Galway West TD defended her record, including a trip she took to Syria during dictator Bashar al-Assad’s time in power

The race for the presidency gathered pace on Tuesday with Fine Gael nominating former European commissioner Mairéad McGuinness to be its candidate