Tiglin Charity Founder Senator Aubrey McCarthy Signs Nomination Papers For Maria Steen's Presidential Bid

Independent Senator Aubrey McCarthy has boosted Maria Steen's presidential ballot hopes with just hours before the deadline closes for the Presidential election

Senator Aubrey McCarthy has confirmed he has signed the nomination papers for presidential hopeful Maria Steen.

It now leaves the barrister just two short of the number of nominations she needs from Oireachtas members to make it onto the ballot for the presidential election.

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

The founder of the Tiglin charity based in Wicklow, Senator McCarthy has told East Coast FM that it is in the interests of an open and democratic election having met her last night.

''As a new senator, this is my first presidential process regarding nomination. And from the outset, I said that anybody who approached me for a nomination, if they get into the high teens,  provided they're a suitably qualified candidate, I certainly would not hold back access to a  nomination. Over the last number of days, I was in the UK visiting a sick relative.''

He outlined how he was approached by Ms. Steen who sought his endorsement for a place on the ballot.

''I arrived back yesterday morning and I was asked to meet Maria Steen, who is a candidate. I met her yesterday evening for the first time, and she outlined her campaign. And she told me who she had on board, two ministers, etc.''

They have their differences but Senator McCarthy says it is in the interests of fairness in democracy.

''We had a firm and frank conversation, and we certainly did not agree on everything. However, as an independent myself and an independently elected senator on the Trinity panel, I've decided to give my nomination to the only independent candidate that is asking for it, and that is Maria Steen.''

He is keen to clarify where he stands on her potential candidacy and why he has made the decision to back the Iona Institute conservative campaigner.

''While the decision is not an endorsement of her campaign, I believe that candidates such as Maria deserve the opportunity to make the case for voters, and then let's see voters deciding who is best to serve as president. So as and from this morning, I have signed the nomination papers.''

Statement on Presidential election 👇 pic.twitter.com/gk6eNGd80w

— Senator Aubrey McCarthy (@carthy_aubrey) September 24, 2025