'Underdog' in poll position

CATHERINE Connolly has said she has been the underdog all her life as the frontrunner outlined her vision to expand the role of the Irish presidency.

- BY GRAINNE NI AODHA

ROLE President Higgins

The independent candidate, 69, who is backed by several left-wing opposition parties, is ahead in the presidential campaign according to opinion polls.

It comes as a Business Post/Red C poll, carried out from October 1-7, indicates that Ms Connolly is on 36%, Heather Humphreys is on 25%, and Jim Gavin was on 12%. Mr Gavin withdrew on October 5.

The Galway TD said: "All my life, I suppose I [have been] the underdog, but I don't really take polls on too seriously.