A total of 28 candidates have been declared for the forthcoming European Parliament elections in the Midlands North West constituency.
Nominations closed at noon today.
Prospective candidates have until midday tomorrow to withdraw from the contest.
Voting will take place on Friday 7 June in both the European and local elections.
Ballot papers will be segregated in local count centres on the morning of Saturday 8 June, before all European votes are transferred under armed guard to the Midlands North West count centre in Castlebar.
Counting of votes will begin for the EU elections at 9am on Sunday 9 June.
A total of 1.82 million people are registered to vote across the sprawling MNW constituency, which takes in 15 counties, across Connacht, Ulster and most of Leinster.
Five MEPS will be returned by the conclusion of the count.
The large number of candidates means the count process will take some time.
Most candidates have paid a €1,800 deposit to stand. This fee is returned to those who secure a quarter of the quota, plus one vote. All others will lose their deposits.
One of the candidates secured 60 signatures from registered voters, accenting to their nomination. This negates the need for a deposit to be paid.
Fianna Fáil is running three candidates, Niall Blaney, Barry Cowen and Lisa Chambers.
Outgoing MEP Maria Walsh is joined on the Fine Gael ticket by Nina Carberry.
Sinn Féin MEP Chris McManus is standing for re-election, along with party colleague Michelle Gildernew.
Independent Luke “Ming” Flanagan is also hoping to retain his seat.
The National Party is fielding two candidates, James Reynolds and Justin Barrett. Brian O’Boyle will run for People Before Profit, while Pauline O’Reilly is the Green Party representative.
Peadar Tóibín is standing for Aontú, the Labour Party is represented by Fergal Landy, Ciaran Mullooly will run for Independent Ireland and Margaret Alacoque Maguire is running for Ireland First.
Anthony Cahill is standing under The Irish People banner, Rory Hearne will contest for the Social Democrats and Herman Kelly is running for the Irish Freedom Party.
Several non-party candidates have also declared. They are: Michelle Smith, John Waters, Dr Gerry Waters, Saoirse McHugh, Charlotte Keenan, Peter Casey, Daniel Pocock and Stephen Garland.
Carolyn Fahy is listed as a candidate for the Party for Animal Welfare.
