2011 Irish presidential election party was unlikely to run a candidate both for financial reasons and also because it was unlikely that a Fianna Fáil nominee could be successful. In early August 2011 there was press speculation that RTÉ broadcaster Gay Byrne might seek a nomination. On 6 August Micheál Martin rang Byrne at his holiday home to indicate that Fianna Fáil Oireachtas members would facilitate his nomination. Byrne indicated that he had yet to make a decision on whether to put his name forward, but said that if he did so he would not run under the Fianna Fáil banner but as an
2011 Irish presidential election members of the Oireachtas or four city or county councils. A number of independent politicians sought support from local authorities, with four candidates nominated by the resolutions of four or more councils: A number of councils scheduled special meetings to consider presidential nominations prior to the deadline of midday on 28 September 2011. Seven candidates contested the presidential election, having been selected by their parties or having received sufficient council nominations. This was the largest number of candidates to contest an Irish presidential election. The "motley crew" of candidates ("The Washington Times") led to much attention on the campaign and