GAA President Jarlath Burns makes statement as Jim Gavin reacts to impending "game changing" announcement

Jarlath Burns has re-affirmed that he he will not be contesting the upcoming presidential election. The GAA President once again confirmed his position amid speculation linking him to Sinn Féin.

RTE reported on Friday morning that Mr Burns stated again that he would not be running for Áras an Uachtaráin shortly before former Dublin manager Jim Gavin lodged his presidential nomination paper.

Gavin said his focus remains on his own campaign on the eve of a "game changing" Sinn Féin announcement regarding the Irish presidential race.

Mr Gavin was joined by Fianna Fáil deputy leader Jack Chambers as he submitted the documentation at the Customs House in Dublin on Friday, having secured the party's endorsement.

Speaking to journalists, the former GAA manager described his campaign as having a "phenomenal start".

At present, Mr Gavin is up against independent candidate Catherine Connolly, who enjoys support from Labour, the Social Democrats and People Before Profit, and Fine Gael nominee Heather Humphreys, who is also expected to submit her papers on Friday.

Sinn Féin is set to reveal whether it will field its own candidate or throw its weight behind Ms Connolly on Saturday.

On Thursday, party leader Mary Lou McDonald declared that its involvement in the election would be a "game changer".

When questioned about whether he was worried about Sinn Féin entering the fray, Mr Gavin stated his attention was on Fianna Fáil.

Pushed on whether he would be keeping a close eye on Sinn Féin's Saturday decision, he responded: "My concern is on my campaign.

"I'm proud of Ireland, I'm passionate about Ireland, service to the State, serving the people.

"This is going to be the most active and energetic presidential campaign over the next 35 days – so the focus is on me."

Ms McDonald's remarks on Thursday fuelled heightened speculation regarding the party's plans, with the Sinn Féin leader stating her preferred candidate possessed "a lot" of Irish.

Further mentions of All-Ireland football and hurling finals variety programme Up For The Match directed attention back towards GAA president Jarlath Burns.

Nevertheless, RTÉ reported on Friday that Mr Burns had once more confirmed he would not be the candidate – having initially ruled himself out earlier in the year.

Meanwhile, independent contender Maria Steen gained additional support in her quest to obtain the required 20 nominations from Oireachtas members.

Minister of State Michael Healy-Rae, who entered Government as part of an independent bloc, confirmed he would sign the nomination papers for Ms Steen in the "spirit of fairness and respect for the democratic process".

Yet, he clarified that signing a nomination paper did not indicate electoral endorsement, emphasising he was "100% backing" Ms Humphreys' campaign.

Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín had previously stated Ms Steen had obtained support from 11 Oireachtas members.

Independent Ireland leader Michael Collins revealed his party would meet with Ms Steen to discuss her presidential nomination.

The four-TD party had indicated it would consider assisting a "likeminded" candidate to cross the threshold if the hopeful had already secured 16 other nominations.