Presidential candidate David Norris was today joined at Leinster House by a number of his supporters within the Oireachtas, who have agreed to sign his nomination papers in September.

Those committed to supporting his nomination are: Finian McGrath TD, Maureen O'Sullivan TD, Catherine Murphy TD, Mick Wallace TD, Stephen Donnelly TD, Thomas Pringle TD, John Halligan TD, Luke 'Ming' Flanagan TD, Senator John Crown, Senator Sean Barrett, Senator Mary Ann O'Brien, Senator Marie Louise O’Donnell and Senator David Norris himself.

To be eligible to run for the Presidency, Senator Norris must get the backing of four local authorities or 20 members of the Oireachtas.

Yesterday, an Irish Times MRBI poll showed that the Senator is ahead in the race on 25%.

"I am delighted to be here with my Oireachtas colleagues today to mark this significant milestone within my presidential campaign," he said.

"I am certain that I will obtain further signatures and my name will be on the ballot paper on October 21st, not only that but I am confident that I will go on to win and become the 9th President of Ireland.

Senator Norris will be concentrating on obtaining the further signatures required during the month of August, when local authorities do not sit and the Oireachtas is in recess. In September, he will once again be targeting local authorities.