Fine Gael's candidate spent Sunday morning and afternoon in south Roscommon in the hope of garnering votes ahead of polling day.

Connolly is on 38 per cent and Humphreys is on 20 per cent.

It follows today's Business Post Red C poll showing Independent candidate Catherine Connolly on 36 per cent, with Fine Gael's Heather Humphreys on 25 per cent.

The latest Business Post Red C poll shows Connolly on 36 per cent, with Fine Gael's Heather Humphreys on 25 per cent and Jim Gavin, who pulled out of the contest, on 12 per cent.

The poll revealed Fianna Fáil candidate Jim Gavin's score is at 15 per cent in the first poll since nominations closed. 

The first debate gets underway at 9pm

It's the lowest number of candidates on the ballot paper in 35 years.

The former Minister for Social Protection is just one of three candidates confirmed for October's election.

Both Gavin and Kelleher gave ten minute presentations before the secret ballot vote.

In the event of a nomination of a person other than ratified candidate Heather Humphreys, the Fine Gael local authority members are whipped to oppose it.

It comes as local authorities across the country are preparing to hold special meetings which will hear from independent candidates seeking their support.