Presidency odds don't look good for pharma tycoon Gareth Sheridan
The US-based millionaire is leading a charge at the presidency with a spokesperson recently saying he expects at least four county councils to back him to allow him to run.
The 35-year-old is a distant 22/1 to end up in the Phoenix Park following the election after making a surprise announcement that he would run. Gareth Sheridan announced his candidacy at the Tullamore Show. Pic: Alf Harvey
However, it may be noted that millionaires have not had huge luck in the past with the likes of Peter Casey, Gavin Duffy and Sean Gallagher all having mounted unsuccessful campaigns.
Alex Apati of Ladbrokes commented: 'Gareth Sheridan is not a name many would have heard of before, but he certainly seems to back himself and some are starting to believe he may have what it takes to move into Áras an Uachtaráin.'
Despite having some potential of running a strong campaign, Sheridan is still ranked outside the top 10 presidential candidates when it comes to the bookmaker's odds.
Independent Seanad member Michael McDowell and Dr Mike Ryan of the World Health Organisation are both thought to have a slightly better chance than Sheridan with Ladbrokes setting both of the potential candidates at 20/1.
Another Seanad member, Frances Black, is then thought to have a 16/1 chance at the presidency and former Fine Gael politician Heather Humphreys is listed at 14/1.
Getting into the top six, Deirdre Heenan is tipped at 12/1. The Derry-based professor has been rumoured to be a possible Fianna Fáil candidate after reports stated she was Micháel Martin's preferred pick due to her political likeness to Mary McAleese. Deirdre Heenan with President Michael D Higgins in 2018. Pic: Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland
Bertie Ahern is also listed at 12/1. The former Taoiseach has repeatedly been tipped for a run at Áras with a recent opinion poll ranking him ahead of Heenan as Fianna Fáil's preferred candidate.
The Lord of the Dance star Michael Flatley is supposedly seen to have a better chance at the presidency than some would have expected.
Ladbrokes have listed the American-born celebrity at 8/1.
Flatley, who is eligible to run as an Irish citizen, moved to Ireland this month as he does not believe the Irish people 'have a voice – not a true proper deep voice that speaks their language'. Michael Flatley fancies his chances at Áras. Pic: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has been given odds of 6/1 to replace Michael D Higgins.
While a campaign has not been confirmed, McDonald didn't rule out a run at Áras when asked by reporters earlier this summer.
However, she did previously remove herself from consideration back in March, but that position seems to have changed.
An internal process is said to be underway at Sinn Féin, with a decision expected in the near future. Mary Lou McDonald could be Sinn Féin's candidate. Pic: Pool Via RollingNews.ie
Independent TD Catherine Connolly is seen by Ladbrokes as the second-favourite to land the presidential gig. She is listed at 5/2.
Connolly launched her bid for Áras last month and has been steadily gaining support from left-leaning parties and TDs
She also received the backing of the Social Democrats, People Before Profit, the Labour Party and a number of independents. Catherine Connolly has received plenty of backing. Pic: Eamonn Farrell/RollingNews.ie
The Galway West TD said she had already received the 20 nominations from Oireachtas members needed to stand in the election.
Connolly and the Labour Party have had 'differences' in the past and she left the party in 2007.
However, last month Labour formally agreed to back her campaign, adding that they believe she is 'the left' candidate.
Finally, at 11/10, the current Ladbrokes favourite to be Ireland's next President is Mairead McGuinness. Mairead McGuinness is Fine Gael's chosen candidate. Pic: Julien Warnand/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock
The former EU Commissioner was confirmed to be Fine Gael's chosen candidate in the election after Seán Kelly ruled himself out of contention.
McGuinness' candidacy will not be ratified until a party event in early September.
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