The opening exchanges of the high stakes Fianna Fáil meeting discussing the presidential election are described as calm and mild so far. TDs voicing the hurt felt by party members across the country.

The Sinn Féin Leader has asked the party's TDs to only attend the Oireachtas when necessary for the next few weeks and to instead step up campaigning  for Catherine Connolly in their constituencies.

The FF Leader has apologised to his colleagues for the presidential election debacle at a parliamentary party meeting tonight. In an emotional and humble address Mícheál Martin spoke of his lifelong commitment to the party.

Kerry FC pull one goal back in Tallaght.

Golden Plovers dazzle in today’s #AutumnArrivalSpotlight. ✨ While some stay year-round, their numbers grow in winter as they’re joined by visitors from Scandinavia. Spot them darting about in fields and estuaries.

Via Euronews: Rattled Denmark hosts EU summit to talk Drone Wall, defence and Ukraine www.euronews.com/my-europe/20...

Presidential candidate Catherine Connolly has said the latest EU report showing Ireland’s natural environment in “very poor” condition must be a serious wake-up call.

The waxing gibbous moon in the clear sky over North Dorset, just now. Illumination approx. 37.8% #moon

Two of Cahersiveen’s most well known businesses shut their doors for the final time this week. Banks shop lit up the corner of Church Street for the last eight decades. The Fertha Bar was a key part of the town since its doors opened in 1988. #BarrnaSráide

Kestrel at Blacktoft Sands Nature Reserve, North Lincolnshire, UK #birds #kestrel #rspb #birdsofprey #blacktoftsandsnaturereserve #protectedareas #falcon

Following an emergency meeting of the Dáil Business Committee tonight, it was agreed to debate a cross party motion next Tuesday on the threat to Irish citizens on board the Sumud Flotilla.

White-crowned sparrow. Delighted to have them back in the habitat. #White-crownedsparrow #bird #birdbath #birdwatching #backyard-habitat #resistwithlove #nature #wildlifephotography

“They flew thataway!” #birds #migration #wrens

Absurdly wonderful little flying jewel (Ruby-throated Hummingbird) #birds 🌿

Catherine Connolly says people are intensely engaged in this presidential campaign and rejects claims that it is dull.

Maria Steen says the hunger for an alternative candidate will go unsatisfied and never before has the political establishment seemed more oppressive and detached from the public. She said that she has been unsuccessful but does not feel she has lost.

Senator Rónán Mullen concedes that Maria Steen won’t get 20 signatures saying “it’s over.”

I understand there was some contact with the Office of the Ceann Comhairle this morning about nominating Maria Steen but the view was that this could present a potential conflict down the line given her role on the Council of State.

Those working on the Maria Steen campaign say they are still talking to several members of the Oireachtas with a view to securing two more signatures before midday.

Another member of the Oireachtas will in the next hour publicly declare their intention to sign Maria Steen’s nomination papers.

Maria Steen’s campaign to get three more nominations in Leinster House does not look to have made significant progress tonight but her supporters are hopeful that @carthy_aubrey will “come on board.” The campaign will remain active until 10am.

Willie O’Dea says tonight that he has no intention of signing Maria Steen’s nomination papers. “I can assure you that won’t be happening,” he said.

Looks like Senators Michael McDowell, Victor Boyhan and Gerard Craughwell won’t budge and will not sign Maria Steen’s nomination papers. That said the Steen camp are confident that an 18th signature is nailed down. Attention could then turn to TDs Charles Ward and Michael Lowry

Strong indications that Independent Ireland could back Maria Steen’s nomination later this morning. That would leave the aspiring presidential candidate at least two nominations short of the required 20 members of the Oireachtas.

Stone chat at aberthaw🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 21/09/25 #birds🪶🦉 #birdingwales #Naturephotography #birdphotography #NatureTherapy

Arctic terns at sunset over The Skerries off Angelsey, Wales #terns #arcticterns #TheSkerriesl #Wales #seabirds #nature #wildlife #birds #sunset #silhouette #dusk #islands

Independent Ireland Leader Michael Collins wants the Dáil  to begin its proceedings this afternoon with a minute’s silence in memory of Charlie Kirk and all victims of gun violence

There is renewed optimism among some Catherine Connolly supporters that SF will ultimately decide this week to back her campaign.

The Higher Education Minister will tell Cabinet that there has been major response to the Government’s efforts to attract top international researchers to Irish universities. There has been a notable interest from researchers in the US and UK.

Catherine Connolly calls for an open debate on the nominations process for presidential elections asking if it’s right that it is confined to members of the Oireachtas and Councillors. At the Ploughing Championships she said a healthy democracy can cope with such a debate.

The FG and FF candidates meet at the ploughing championships. As is most often the case under the PR-STV system, transfers will be crucial when the votes are counted on October 25th.

Tipperary County Council nominates Gareth Sheridan. He’s now just two council nominations away from getting on the ballot paper.