President Higgins has submitted his papers for nomination to be completed for the formal process of him becoming a candidate in the upcoming presidential election.
He his going to launch his re-election bid in Dublin city centre.
Sinn Féin MEP Liadh Ní Riada have also put papers in for nomination.
Others are also in the race such as businessman Sean Gallagher and Gavin Duffy, who have submitted his nomination papers to the Customs House.
It is now long long until candidates will have to declare if they want to go forth with the Presidential election.
These Presidential Election candidates must secure the support of four local authorities or 20 TDs and senators to be able to stand in the election.
You've six declared candidates for the Presidential Election that will be held on Friday 26 October.
They are: President Michael D Higgins, Senator Joan Freeman, Sean Gallagher and Sinn Féin MEP Liadh Ní Riada, Peter Casey, Gavin Duffy.
Ms O'Doherty's is however still looking for endorsements.
The prospective independent candidate received an endorsement from Laois County Council this morning.
She was proposed by Independent Ben Brennan and seconded by Sinn Féin's Aidan Mullins.
She received four votes, including one vote from a Fianna Fáil councillor. There were no other proposals and 13 councillors abstained.
Cork and Kildare County Councils have voted against endorsing Ms O'Doherty's candidacy.
The journalist, who has campaigned on an anti-corruption platform, still needs the support of three other councils ahead of Wednesday's deadline.
However, it appears there are no further planned council meetings with the required motion in place to consider supporting Ms O'Doherty, before nominations close at noon on Wednesday.
There is still the outside possibility of 20 members of the Oireachtas agreeing to nominate her.
Speaking in Laois today, Ms O'Doherty said she was in discussions with the group of Independent TDs and Senators and is hopeful she will get their support for a nomination.
