CATHERINE CONNOLLY HAS criticised political parties that have yet to decide whether to run a candidate in the upcoming presidential election, calling it “disrespectful” to the constitution and the role of the office.

The Galway TD, who has already secured backing from Labour, the Social Democrats, People Before Profit-Solidarity, and a range of independents, is currently the only confirmed candidate to succeed Michael D Higgins.

Fine Gael is choosing between Heather Humphreys and Sean Kelly, while Fianna Fáil has not yet declared a candidate.

Connolly, speaking during a visit to west Belfast, denied she was seeking Sinn Fein support and said suggestions that her trip was a “waste of time” were insulting to the people of Northern Ireland.

She highlighted the importance of giving citizens in Northern Ireland the vote in future presidential elections, and said she would use her voice “in every way possible” to pursue Irish unity.

She added that movement towards unity must be a gradual, consensual process and emphasised the need to value all traditions and religions in an inclusive manner.

“The stronger that one is in one’s own identity, the easier it is to embrace other cultures,” she said.

Connolly described herself as a uniting candidate who can draw people together on key issues, stressing that her decision to run was based on her own beliefs and experience rather than the actions of any other party.

She said her campaign feedback has been “absolutely positive” and that voters are looking for a candidate with integrity and the ability to stand apart from consensus when needed.

On Fine Gael candidate Heather Humphreys, Connolly said she has a “good chance” of securing her party’s nomination and described her as a “nice woman.”

She added that she believes it’s “disrespectful to the constitution and the role of the presidency” that other parties haven’t picked candidates yet.

“On occasions it feels a bit like Lanigan’s Ball, I stepped out and she stepped in again.”