West of Ireland candidate leading race to become president

Catherine Connolly is leading the race to win the presidential election.

According to a Sunday Independent/Ireland Thinks poll published today, the Galway TD is ahead of Fine Gael candidate Heather Humphreys by nine points.

In the first poll since nominations closed, the independent ­deputy is on 32%, with Humphreys on 23% while Fianna Fáil contender Jim Gavin is on 15%.

The former Dublin GAA manager is now facing a formidable task in his election bid.

According to the survey, he is faring particularly badly with women, with just 10% of female voters polled giving him their backing.

This has raised questions in the media over the decision of Taoiseach and ­Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin to back Gavin for the party candidacy, over candidates Billy Kelleher and Bertie Ahern.

However, Fianna Fáil may find some solace in the fact that 31% of the electorate still undecided (31pc).

The findings suggest Connolly has has not been seriously impacted by her decision in 2018 to hire a woman convicted of firearm offences to work in the Oireachtas.