Presidential race heats up: A look at the current favourites, long shots and non-runners
Here we go through the large field of names and break them down into favourites, contenders, long shots and non-runners…
Micheál Martin (Fianna Fáil, 8/1)
Like Michael Corleone and the Cosa Nostra , every time Micheál tries to leave the Presidential race, his party drags him back in. Were he to run on a 'Grandad of the Nation' ticket, he would be in the final count — but our fabulously indecisive Taoiseach knows nothing is guaranteed. Micheal Martin. Pic: Getty
Mairéad McGuinness (Fine Gael, 10/1)
Technically the favourite, but concerns are high in Fine Gael that while she will start briskly, she could finish poorly. Front-runners and certainties have a bad history in Áras races. Ask David Norris and Adi Roche.
Mary Lou McDonald (Sinn Féin, 12/1)
Mary Lou is a formidable campaigner who actually connects with the voter. Best suited perhaps to a short sprint. Running could be a political shot to nothing — unless Mary Lou ends up as the sweeper candidate who gets Catherine Connolly over the line. Then we'd have trouble. Mary Lou McDonald. Pic: Fran Veale
Catherine Connolly (Independent, 12/1)
If the left can get its act together, the spiritual heir to Michael D. Higgins — despite their personal rivalry — has a real chance. Those of a mischievous political nature will know she would be an absolute thorn in the side of the Coalition.
Bertie Ahern (Fianna Fáil, 25/1)
A riddle in an enigma, Ahern is the most qualified candidate — but that's not how these things work. The Áras is a great contest of respectability, and there are too many spooks in the Bertie attic. The time for Bertie to get nervous is if Micheál calls him in and makes him an offer he'd be very wise to refuse — though that is very unlikely.
Tony Holohan (Independent, 33/1)
As Fianna Fáil scrambles for someone more credible than a couple of retired soccer players, could Tony Holohan surprise? With party backing, the odds on 'the people's doctor' could tighten quickly — and more than Fianna Fáil could be interested. A politically attractive name. Tony Holohan. Pic: Sasko Lazarov/RollingNews.ie
Niall Quinn / Packie Bonner (Fianna Fáil, 33/1)
Two sporting wild cards from the Jack Charlton soccer era. It could go very well, but also has the potential to resemble Eamon Coughlan's brief Fine Gael career. It ended in the Seanad.
Michelle O'Neill (Sinn Féin, 40/1)
She's very good at the smiling, emoting and looking regal part of the post. But she would have a lot of work to do to overcome the innate partitionist instincts of the Southern voter — and that's just when it comes to Cork candidates.
Lynn Boylan (Sinn Féin, 50/1)
In the absence of much better, she has come late to the fray. Much has been made of her EU vote, but since topping the poll with 23.6% in 2013, her vote has remained around 10%.
Gerry Adams (Sinn Féin, 50/1)
He has the same chance as Bertie. We'll leave it at that. Gerry Adams. Pic: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
John Finucane (Sinn Féin, 50/1)
With his life story, he could contend — but is expected to prefer to stick with the grown-ups in the Northern head office rather than a 14-year stretch in the prison of the Phoenix Park.
Cynthia Ní Mhurchú (Fianna Fáil, 66/1)
Sparkly and energetic. Elbowed her way through a reasonably impressive field by EU election standards. Unlikely — but not impossible.
A.N. Other (Aontú mystery candidate, 75/1)
There's talk of Aontú stitching together enough votes to nominate a mystery candidate. Some believe it might be Declan Ganley — which would be a case of too little, too opinionated.
Mary Hanafin (Fianna Fáil, 80/1)
Ms Hanafin said it would be 'an insult' if Fianna Fáil didn't run a candidate. It would — but it's more likely the party ends up running her.
Eamon Ryan (Greens, 80/1)
Deserves the chance to hear the public view on initiatives like bicycle carriages in trains where, unlike the standing hoi polloi, bikes can have a rest. Minister Eamon Ryan. Pic: Fran Veale
Mike Ryan (Labour, 80/1)
A well-intentioned UN bureaucrat that nobody knows. Likely to fare as well as his Labour sponsors: that is, around 5%.
Fergus Finlay (Labour, 80/1)
Likely to fare only slightly better than Mr Ryan.
Peter Power (Fianna Fáil, 100/1)
Apparently was a minister back in the day. Already dubbed 'Mr 3%' — in reference to his polling. A nice guy, but we all know where they finish.
Colum Eastwood (Anyone at this stage, 100/1)
The former SDLP leader is still — apparently — in the running.
Fintan O'Toole (Independent, 100/1)
Political credibility vanished after failing to show up for service in the 2011 election.
Conor McGregor (Independent, 250/1)
Someone should tell him that unlike Trump, being President doesn't let you pardon yourself. That might cool his jets. Conor McGregor. Pic: Edward Berthelot/GC Images
Mick Wallace (Independent, 250/1)
A case of 'send in the clowns', but the idea of Mick — and political partner Clare Daly — in the Park is fleetingly tempting, just for the nosebleeds it would cause.
Peter Casey (Independent, 250/1)
Too much competition these days in the dog-whistling market.
Michael Flatley (Who knows?, 250/1)
Says he's been approached by 'people in the know' — but doesn't know himself if he's keen. Jumping from Lord to President might not be that hard though.
Frances Fitzgerald (Fine Gael)
Wily Fine Gael fox read the room and got out swiftly. Mairéad, take note.
Miriam O'Callaghan (Independent)
Would have to run as an Independent, but the running would suit Fianna Fáil, which might take the 'spontaneous' decision to back 'our Miriam'. Still 20/1 despite seemingly ruling herself out. Miriam O'Callaghan. Pic: Gareth Chaney/ Collins Photos
Heather Humphreys (Fine Gael)
A clever campaigner who was an early favourite. Also made a smart early exit. Mairéad, take note again.
Seán Kelly (Fine Gael)
Clever fox spent some time sniffing around before bolting back to the burrow.
Frances Black (Independent)
She's in. She's out. She's in. No one cares anymore.
Joe Duffy (Possibly Labour)
Wisely took another page from Gaybo's book and decided fronting Aldi ads is a better retirement plan. Joe Duffy. Pic: Michael Chester
Máire Geoghegan-Quinn (Fianna Fáil)
Has a life — and intends to keep it. Silence makes it abundantly clear no amount of excitable FF TDs will change that.
Jarlath Burns (Independent)
Decided that being President of the GAA was the better gig.
Barry Andrews (Fianna Fáil)
Exited the race before embarrassing himself further.
Holly Cairns (Social Democrats)
Could have stood on a 'Something different… something nice' ticket, but her party wisely decided to focus on actual politics.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Independent
3 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Gerry Adams says its ‘one of my regrets' that end of IRA armed campaign took so long
The former Sinn Féin president also voiced regret that it took so long to come, suggesting the UK government was focused on "defeating republicanism". He also said he regretted the number of lives lost during the Troubles as he reflected on the upcoming 20th anniversary of the IRA statement. The IRA formally ended its 35-year paramilitary campaign on July 28, 2005 when former republican prisoner Seanna Walsh read a statement. While a number of ceasefires had been announced and collapsed since 1994, the 2005 statement saw the start of the decommissioning of weapons. The statement said that members had been instructed to use exclusively peaceful means, and not to engage in any other activities whatsoever. Mr Adams described the move as seismic, and an "indication of confidence" by "all the IRA" and not just its leadership. "The statement came after there had been some sort of internal process, a huge vote of confidence in people," he said. "It took decades for it to be put together. "You have to go back to Father Alec Reid, Father Des Wilson, myself, John Hume and the endeavour to put together an alternative to armed struggle. "It took all that time to do that, but that's what the IRA said in its statement, that they believed there was now a peaceful way to pursue republican and democratic objectives, and ordered its volunteers to not be engaged in any other activity whatsoever, and authorised contact with the International Commission on Decommissioning. "It took decades and one of my regrets is that it took so long. In my humble opinion it took so long because the two governments, particularly the British government, only sought peace on its terms, which meant defeat the IRA, it meant defeat republicanism and that doesn't work, our people are resolute." ADVERTISEMENT Learn more He added: "The proof of it is that 20 years later the IRA isn't a feature. Some may want to make it a feature, invent, fabricate and so on, but that's the proof of it." Asked whether he felt the IRA should issue an apology for all the lives lost by their actions, Mr Adam pointed to a statement in 2002 on the anniversary of Bloody Friday, a series of bombs across Belfast which claimed nine lives. It included an offer of "sincere apologies and condolences" to the families of all "non combatants" killed or injured by IRA actions. "I think in fairness that the record will show that the IRA leadership have apologised on a number of occasions about specific incidents or operations which it was involved in, particularly around the issue of civilian casualties or fatalities," he said. "One of the big regrets that I have is that so many people were killed, and particularly people who weren't involved and particularly children, that's a real concern. "I say that from a community and a family which lost loved ones in the course of all of this." However, Mr Adams added that while he thinks it is important to look back over the last 20 years, it is also important to look forward to the next 20 years and a referendum on a united Ireland. "One thing we can say with certainty is there is going to be a referendum on the future, the Irish Government doesn't want it, the British Government doesn't want it, unionists don't want it but there is going to be the day when people will vote for the future," he said. "Our responsibility, and for everyone who is concerned about the future, need to be part of the conversation well in advance of that vote. Whether it is about public services, health services, the economy, flags, emblems, taking all of those issues and trying to find solutions to them that allows everyone to be comfortable in the new Ireland. "You rarely get the opportunity to write the future, and we now have that opportunity and its contained in the Good Friday Agreement." "I do know that there will be a united Ireland so whether it happens the day after I die or a couple of years before then. "It is not inevitable, the forces against it are quite strong but if we work at it. "If we continue to do the sensible, intelligent things that we have been trying to do, then - although I would love to live in a united Ireland - it matters little to me whether it happens after I die or before it. To be able to say in my own heart to say, 'I played a part in bringing that about', that'll do me." Mr Adams was speaking ahead of an Feile An Phobail arts event this weekend to mark the anniversary. He will take part in a discussion alongside Mr Walsh, chaired by Sinn Féin Galway TD Mairead Farrell, at the Balmoral Hotel in Belfast on Saturday.
Irish Times
12 hours ago
- Irish Times
Change to summer holiday period would require widespread consultation, says McEntee
The summer break poses 'challenges' for parents but any changes to holidays would have to be considered following consultation with schools, teachers and families, the Minister for Education has said. Helen McEntee said the issue may come up as part of a new convention on education announced by the Government on Thursday. The Fine Gael TD said schools are 'very active' throughout the year and summer holidays 'gives everybody a chance to take a break'. Ms McEntee also pointed to 1,800 primary schools that are participating in the summer programme , which caters for pupils with complex special educational needs and those at risk of educational disadvantage. READ MORE 'There's a lot of things happening over the summer, whether it's school camps, different types of sports or activities ... but I do acknowledge the challenges for parents when it comes to childcare ... that in many households you have both parents now working full-time,' she told reporters in Clondalkin, west Dublin. 'So the summer does pose challenges, but I think any changes to summer breaks, any changes to holidays, that's something that would always have to be considered in engagement and consultation with schools, with teachers, with parents, with families overall.' The Minister said she would like to see the reduction in the student contribution fee for higher education maintained. Third-level fees have been reduced to €2,000 as 'once-off' cost-of-living measures for the past three years. However, Minister for Higher Education James Lawless signalled late last month that a previous €1,000 reduction to fees would no longer apply after the Government decided there will be no cost-of-living package in the 2026 budget. 'There's a very clear commitment in the programme for government that we would continue to reduce it, and as someone who was leading the negotiations from the Fine Gael point of view, that is a very strong commitment that we've made, and one that we intend to see through,' Ms McEntee said. 'Obviously, any budget discussions have yet to happen or they'll be happening now over the summer months into October, and it will be for every individual Minister to set out exactly what their plans are and what their overall budget is, but we've made very clear commitments, and it's something that we want to see continue.' Separately, the Minister said that while it is important for there to be flexibility and structure at a Government level in terms of remote working, there must be 'autonomy' within companies also. AIB has moved to require staff eligible for hybrid working to return to its branches and offices three days a week on a phased basis, introducing the tightest rules among Irish retail banks. 'Ultimately, companies do have to make decisions based on what's right for them, what's right for the way in which they are working, while at the same time trying to support and recognise and acknowledge that people have families, school, commitments [and] that they have to try to work with them to make sure that everybody benefits from it,' Ms McEntee said.
Irish Independent
12 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Cllr Willliam O'Leary elected new chairperson of Northern Committee
Cllr O'Leary was elected the new chair of the Northern Committee following their recently monthly meeting. The Northern Committee is comprised of 15 councillors from the Kanturk/Mallow and Fermoy municipal districts. Cllr O'Leary succeeds Fianna Fáil councillor Ian Doyle who received lavish praise from his political colleagues for his professionalism during his tenure. Cllr Frank O'Flynn paid tribute to the outgoing chair. 'The meetings were very positive and very well organised. You were very fair and you gave everyone an opportunity.' Fine Gael councillor Tony O'Shea also thanked Cllr Ian Doyle for his contribution and professionalism throughout the year. He also wished Cllr O'Leary all the very best in the year ahead. Cllr O'Leary who is based in Rathcormac was nominated for the role of chair by Cllr Frank O'Flynn and Cllr Peter O'Donoghue. Cllr O'Flynn said Mr O'Leary is firmly 'embedded' in the local community and a man destined for greater things. 'William is a second time councillor in the area. He is a colleague of ours in the Fermoy MD. He is very well known in this area. He is very embedded in the local community and in the GAA with Bride Rovers who are synonymous with success. I think William is a man destined for greater things.' Independent councillor Peter O'Donoghue who seconded the nomination said William is a great representative for all the people in the Northern Division. 'He is widely respected by all political parties and by all Independents. He does Trojan work for the area. He is a fair and reasonable person. He would be the ideal candidate for chair of this division.' Cllr O'Leary was subsequently elected as chair for 2025-26 and he began his opening speech by thanking Cllr O'Flynn and Cllr O'Donoghue for the nomination. 'I want to congratulate the outgoing chair Ian Doyle and I want to wish him well in his year as deputy mayor. He is a very popular member of Cork County Council. 'I will keep the programme of work going,' said Cllr O'Leary. 'It is an important committee. We have our directorates coming in here and it is an opportunity to work with them. I might be a bit quieter up here than down there. I will try anyway.' Fianna Fáil councillor Nelius Cotter was elected as the new vice-chairperson of the Northern Committee. Cllr Frank O'Flynn who proposed Cllr Cotter for the role said he is very much stepped in farming organisations. 'He was a first-time candidate in the last election and he got elected in the Fermoy local electoral area. He is very much embedded in the community and especially in the farming organisations. He came up through the Fianna Fáil ranks.' Fianna Fáil councillor Ian Doyle seconded the nomination of Cllr Cotter. The new chairperson received warm and very supportive messages from all his political colleagues. Cllr Pat Hayes thanked Cllr Ian Doyle for his work over the last year before wishing Cllr O'Leary and Cllr Cotter the very best in their new roles for the coming year. Cllr Gearoid Murphy (Fianna Fáil) also offered warm congratulations to Cllr O'Leary: 'It is not an easy job. There are 15 of us in here. In terms of the population that we represent in the Northern Division, it is bigger than some county councils. Best of luck. You have great experience and I'm sure the next year will run smoothly.'
