Kerry County Councillors will hear today, from at least 12 potential candidates seeking their backing to run in the Presidential election.
Kerry and Wexford County Councils are the first two local authorities to give the candidates a hearing, with both meetings taking place later today.
Fine Gael has directed its councillors to block the nomination of Independents at these meetings.
Candidates must receive the support of at least four local authorities - or 20 Oireachtas members - ahead of the election, if they are to get on the ballot paper on October 24th.
Among those who're hoping for the Kerry councillors' backing, are barrister Maria Steen, who's a member of Catholic advocacy group the Iona Institute; entrepreneur Gavin Sheridan and Tipperary business man Nick Delahanty.
Meteorologist Joanna Donnelly pulled out of the race for nominations on Friday, while rock star Bob Geldof - though believed to be interested in the office - has yet to declare his intentions.
Riverdance creator Michael Flatley has abandoned his attempt to enter the presidential election race, saying he will instead prioritise his family and health.
Each candidate will get 15 minutes to make their pitch this afternoon, and will then be questioned by the 33 members of Kerry County Council.
Independents are the largest bloc on Kerry County Council with 11 seats, while Fianna Fáil has nine members, Fine Gael has six, Sinn Féin has four, there are two from the Labour Party and one Kerry Independent Alliance member.
The councillors are expected to make a final decision on whether they'll nominate a candidate or not, at a seperate meeting later this month.
