There are just under three weeks to go in the Presidential Election, as campaign teams take stock this weekend.
Candidates have been traversing the country meeting voters while also tackling their own controversies.
They have also met for the first of several debates and faced extended interviews.
There has been some sniping between candidates this week, but the attacks have not been full blooded as they seem to be holding back at this point.
So far, the election has not hugely caught fire but many will eagerly study the results of the first opinion poll of the campaign tomorrow.
But tomorrow's main event is the second television debate on RTÉ’s The Week in Politics with Áine Lawlor.
So what’s at stake for the three campaigns?
Heather Humphreys
Fine Gael’s Heather Humphreys goes into the weekend as the probable frontrunner.
Unquestionably her campaign is majoring on her personal warmth and ability to connect with voters.
One Fianna Fáil politician observed this week that she appears to be hugging her way to victory, clasping voters in an embrace as she travels the country.
But most believe she had a difficult time in the Virgin Media debate earlier this week on two fronts.
Firstly, she was hesitant and at times quiet, holding back from the fray. However, some in other campaigns believe this is a deliberate tactic from the perceived frontrunner.
Her aim appears to be to avoid saying anything controversial or dropping a clanger which could become a viral moment.
This may lead to some bland statements but it is a safe strategy from someone who has more to lose.
The scrutiny also confirmed that debating is not her strength.
Secondly, her Achilles heel is her vast experience in Government. Her credentials as a senior minister certainly fill out her CV but it means she also has to account for 14 years of decisions and policymaking that have not always been popular or successful.
In particular, she has equivocated on housing with some floundering on the question of whether she agrees with President Michael D Higgins's damning assertion that housing has been a disaster.
Much attention will be paid to whether she pivots her messaging during this weekend and whether she will attack her opponents.
Catherine Connolly
Independent TD Catherine Connolly has probably generated the most column inches so far, straying into difficult terrain with her comments on German rearmament.
She has also faced questions about her judgement in attempting to hire a woman with a gun crime conviction to work at Leinster House.
What is clear though is that the Galway West TD is approaching her campaign in a completely uncompromising fashion, holding steady to the political ideals she has always championed.
This means there has been no moderation in her language or effort to move to the centre in a bid to broaden her appeal.
That bucks the traditional political wisdom that a more nuanced conciliatory approach is needed during an election campaign in order to attain office.
However this strategy may mean she could struggle to increase her core vote.
Among her political backers, there are mixed views on her performance so far and some discomfort with her uncompromising stance.
But this was always going to happen with disparate parties and an Independent candidate.
Her debating style is relaxed and articulate and most political observers believed she came out best last Monday.
As her campaign continues, many will be watching to see how much her political sponsors work to get out her vote - particularly Sinn Féin.
Jim Gavin
Fianna Fáil’s Jim Gavin has had a faltering start as a political novice in a campaign beset by gaffes.
These have mostly been at the embarrassing end of the spectrum rather than serious errors.
But the bigger issue is the lack of a clear message as to why he wants to be President and what he would bring to the role.
So far, he has spoken of bringing energy to the position, being an active President and shining a light on various issues.
But these are generalities that reveal little about his unique selling points.
Yesterday, he did add to that with a pledge to put disability inclusion at the centre of his presidency if elected.
Notably in last week’s debate, he went on the attack early taking on Catherine Connolly on her views on defence spending.
Many in Fianna Fáil were happy with his performance, citing his inexperience in political debates but some felt he was over-rehearsed and using his hands too much.
But some concede that there is a perception that he is currently in last place overall and that his campaign needs an overhaul.
