http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish_presidential_election,_2011
The next Irish presidential election is due to take place on Thursday, 27 October 2011.
There are seven candidates contesting the presidential election, having been selected by their parties or having received sufficient council nominations. This is the largest number of candidates to contest an Irish presidential election.

Mary Davis, social entrepreneur, disability rights campaigner and best known as organiser of the 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Ireland, was nominated by local Councils.

Seán Gallagher, entrepreneur, panellist on the Dragons' Den television programme and former member of the Fianna Fáil National Executive, was nominated by local Councils.

Michael D. Higgins, former Minister and TD was selected by the Labour Party.

Martin McGuinness, deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland was selected by Sinn Féin, and received enough support from independent TDs to be nominated.

Gay Mitchell, MEP and former TD was selected by Fine Gael.

David Norris, Senator, scholar and civil rights campaigner, was nominated by local Councils.

Dana Rosemary Scallon, former MEP, was nominated by local Councils.