The search for the next President of Ireland has changed swiftly from a low-key contest, attracting limited interest, into one of the most intriguing elections witnessed on either side of the border in decades.

Mairead McGuinness of Fine Gael had diligently prepared for her campaign over some years, with many commentators suggesting she was smoothly heading towards victory, and no guarantee that the two largest parties at last year’s general election, Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin, would even be involved when polling takes place on October 24.

The sad and entirely unexpected announcement less than a month ago that McGuinness was withdrawing over health concerns led to a series of twists which mean that, after names on the fringes, among them Bertie Ahern, are discounted, at least four different outcomes can be seriously envisaged.

Undoubtedly the most dramatic intervention came from Jim Gavin, who was hugely successful throughout his time as Dublin’s Gaelic football manager but, despite having no previous experience of elected politics, appears well placed to have his nomination confirmed by Fianna Fáil later this week.

Noel Doran: Jim Gavin gambit makes for intriguing Irish presidential election

Chris Donnelly: In times that test us, leadership is required

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