Lord of the Dance star Michael Flatley and former RTÉ weather forecaster Joanna Donnelly have both pulled out of the presidential election race.
Mr Flatley indicated several times that he would seek to enter the contest to replace President Michael D Higgins and a court was told in July that he was returning to live in Ireland as he “intends to seek nominations to run for President”.
As first reported by the Irish Examiner, informed sources indicated that the businessman was seriously considering a run.
He later told RTÉ’s Brendan O’Connor that he had a “team of advisers” guiding him on the matter.
However, in a statement on Instagram on Friday, Mr Flatley said he was prioritising his health over an election.
“I have decided not to run for president of Ireland at this time,” he said.
“I am honoured by the encouragement and support I’ve received from so many people across Ireland over recent weeks, but I must put my family and my health first.
“I feel I can better serve the Irish people by continuing my work promoting Ireland and Irish culture globally.”
Meanwhile, former Met Éireann meteorologist Ms Donnelly admitted to being “unprepared for the undertaking” and “naive” to think she could meet the presidential election campaign’s challenges.
Ms Donnelly announced her bid to run on Tuesday, saying she had written to every council, adding that she felt worthy of the role.
However, she said she did not know if she had the “savvy, or the political skills, or the campaign manager, or the PR, in order to show everybody else that I am worthy”.
Taking to Instagram on Friday, Ms Donnelly said: “I have come to understand through conversations with people with vastly more experience in this type of campaign that I am unprepared for such an undertaking.
“While I still believe that I have the qualities that would make me a good Uachtarán na hÉireann, I was naive to think I could meet the challenges of the campaign.
“Therefore, at this stage, I’ve decided it’s best to withdraw my request for nominations.”
Ms Donnelly thanked those who had sent her support and encouragement.
So far, only two people are on the ballot — Fine Gael’s Heather Humphreys and Independent TD Catherine Connolly, who has the support of Labour, the Social Democrats and People Before Profit. Fianna Fáil are set to nominate either MEP Billy Kelleher or former Dublin Gaelic football manager Jim Gavin.
Former taoiseach Bertie Ahern will not seek a nomination due to a lack of support within Fianna Fáíl’s leadership.
Sinn Féin is yet to put a candidate forward. The election is set to take place on October 24.
Meanwhile, former MMA fighter Conor McGregor contacted Dublin City Council seeking to address councillors.
A list of councillors due to present to Dublin City Council on September 15 includes Mr McGregor’s name.
Some 16 candidates are listed to give a five-minute pitch, followed by five minutes of questions.