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The Journal
30-06-2025
- Politics
- The Journal
Cynthia Ní Mhúrchú dampens presidential speculation as Mary Hanafin vies for FF nomination
CYNTHIA NÍ MHURCHÚ has confirmed she hasn't been approached about running for president, nor has she been considering it. The Ireland South MEP said that she's more focused on her Brussels job, which she's been in since last summer, and that the speculation around the presidential election is largely 'hot air'. 'Number one, I haven't thought about it. Number two, nobody has approached me and I've approached nobody,' she said when questioned on C103′s Cork Today show. 'My thinking on it now is, to be quite honest, nothing. Because I think at this stage it's an awful lot of hot air. I appreciate it's a very important job … and I appreciate we're coming into the silly season and people have to be talking about something. 'I don't mean to sound very pious or very prudish, but there's an awful lot more important problems, not only in Ireland, but throughout Europe.' 'For the moment, I'm just happy now. It's a busy working day here in Brussels.' Asked if it's an honour that she has been mentioned as a potential candidate for president, Ní Mhúrchú said: 'Absolutely.' 'To even be considered is a huge honour, but it was equally an honour to get the nomination to run for Fianna Fáil last summer, delighted that the electorate put their trust in me, and I want to keep working for them. I don't want to be out here on some kind of a quasi-holiday. Advertisement 'I like work, I want to work and I want to try and make a difference.' 'I know I'm only a small cog in a wheel of 720 spokes – the members of the European parliament – but I want to do my best for the voters of Ireland South.' Potential runners Former Fianna Fáil minister Mary Hanafin declared her intention to snag the party's nomination for the office over the weekend. She told RTÉ Radio One: 'Yes, I'd love the opportunity. I'd love the opportunity to be a Fianna Fáil candidate, and I'd love to bring my experience in public service, law into the job of president, which is the most important job in the country.' Hanafin said that ultimately it seemed that the decision would lie with party leader and Taoiseach Micheál Martin, whom she has had discussions with on the topic. She noted that Peter Power, another former minister from the party who now heads Unicef Ireland, is reportedly in talks with Fianna Fáil leadership about the possibility of contesting the presidential election, according to the Irish Independent . Power, aged 59, was a TD for the party for Limerick East up until the financial crash. He then began as the head of Unicef Ireland in 2012 and has remained there since. He is a qualified solicitor. Parties may also reconsider 'recalibrate' their election strategies should Joe Duffy decide to run, it's been reported. reported that senior sources in Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael indicated they would be reluctant to challenge the popular broadcaster, who retired from RTÉ's Liveline last week. Duffy previously wouldn't rule out throwing his hat in the ring. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
The Journal
29-06-2025
- Politics
- The Journal
Two more names surface for presidency bids as Mary Hanafin confirms intent to run
LAST UPDATE | 30 mins ago AS THE PRESIDENTIAL election draws nearer, more people are emerging from the woodwork to cautiously raise their hand – or in other cases, wave it furiously – for consideration for the job. Yesterday it was reported that former Fianna Fáil minister Mary Hanafin was 'in the mix' for the party nomination. Appearing on RTÉ Radio One this morning, Hanafin doubled down on her intention to snag the Fianna Fáil nomination for the office. She told Brendan O'Connor, 'Yes, I'd love the opportunity. I'd love the opportunity to be a Fianna Fáil candidate, and I'd love to bring my experience in public service, law into the job of president, which is the most important job in the country.' Hanafin said that ultimately it seemed that the decision would lie with party leader and Taoiseach Micheál Martin, whom she has had discussions with on the topic. She noted that Peter Power, another former minister from the party who now heads Unicef Ireland, is reportedly in talks with Fianna Fáil leadership about the possibility of contesting the presidential election, according to the Irish Independent . Advertisement Power, aged 59, was a TD for the party for Limerick East up until the financial crash. He then began as the head of Unicef Ireland in 2012 and has remained there since. He is a qualified solicitor. Hanafin stressed her record of public service and said that she strongly believes that Fianna Fáil should contest the presidency. Minister for Further and Higher Education James Lawless this afternoon refused to be drawn on his opinions on his party's options for presidential nominations, but said that he thought there would be a candidate established throughout the summer. Outside of Fianna Fáil, Independent senator and founder of homeless and addiction charity Tiglin, Aubrey McCarthy, told Virgin Media News that the presidency was 'something to consider'. NEW – Independent senator and Tiglin founder Aubrey McCarthy tells @virginmedianews : "If there was a conversation to be had regarding… a social inclusion candidate, where housing, second chances are part of the norm… certainly I would love the opportunity" to run for #aras25 — Gavan Reilly (@gavreilly) June 28, 2025 McCarthy said that he would 'love the opportunity' to run as a social inclusion candidate where 'housing, where second chances are part of the norm'. Related Reads Why are so few candidates dipping their toe in the water in the race for the Áras? He added that he was focused on his role in the Seanad, where he sits on the housing committee. McCarthy was first elected to the Seanad this year in the Dublin University constituency. The Co Kildare man has been heavily involved with projects combatting homelessness and addiction, as well as rehabilitation for those who are affected by either issue. The presidential election must take place by 11 November at the latest. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
