Journalist Gemma O'Doherty has announced her intention to run as an independent candidate in the upcoming presidential election.

But first she must secure a nomination in order to run in the presidential race. And in order to secure a nomination as an independent candidate, you require the backing of four county councils, or 20 TDs or Senators.

Gemma O'Doherty is clearly seeking to go down the route of getting enough TDs and Senators onboard. "In order to become a candidate for the Presidency, I need a public mandate and the support of 20 members of the Oireachtas. If you would like me to serve as your President, I am asking you to contact TDs and Senators and ask them to support my nomination on your behalf," Gemma O'Doherty. stated

So far Dragons' Den star Gavin Duffy, artist Kevin Sharkey and Senator Joan Freeman have all announced their intentions to run. While Fianna Fail and Fine Gael have pledged their support to President Michael D. Higgins, who is the bookies' favourite to win a second term in office.

Announcing her candidacy last night, Gemma O'Doherty stated: "I hope that my track record as a journalist has shown that I am not afraid to stand up to the powerful elites who run Ireland and who have run it into the ground. They need to be held to account for what they have done to our country.

"It is the function of media to do that but so many of my colleagues are no longer willing or able to fulfil that role which is so vital to democracy. Too many of them, especially in the state broadcaster, have become signed-up members of the very elite they should be demanding accountability from."

Gemma O'Dohery wrote a lengthy missive on Facebook to outline her many reasons for wanting to run, which you can read in full below:

I have decided to seek a nomination for the Presidency of Ireland. I hope you will support me. My reasons for doing so are here: https://t.co/ooU1WmBu4o

— Gemma O'Doherty (@gemmaod1) August 19, 2018