The Daily Star Ireland
With President Michael D. Higgins’ 14-year tenure set to end on 11 November, the race to become Ireland’s next head of state is starting to gather momentum—though it has yet to fully capture public attention. A late October polling date is being considered, meaning the campaign is expected to intensify in early autumn, with a short but potentially high-stakes run to the finish line.
While formal declarations are still limited, several political parties and individuals are positioning themselves for what could become a competitive and dynamic presidential contest. Here’s a breakdown of the leading figures, possible contenders, and where each party currently stands.
Catherine Connolly: The First to Declare
Independent TD Catherine Connolly has officially entered the race, becoming the first to declare her candidacy. The Galway West representative has received growing support from the left, securing endorsements from the Social Democrats and People Before Profit’s two TDs.
Independent deputies Charles Ward, Seamus Healy, and Brian Stanley have also committed to nominating her, placing Connolly comfortably above the 20 Oireachtas member threshold required to appear on the ballot.
The big question now is whether other progressive parties—especially Labour—will align behind her in a unified left-wing candidacy.
Labour Party: A Potential Ally or a Rival?
Labour’s role remains uncertain. Connolly, a former Labour member herself, left the party in 2007 after being denied the chance to run alongside Michael D. Higgins in Galway West. She later criticized Labour’s coalition policies, once accusing the party of having “lost its soul.”
Despite this fraught history, Connolly has made overtures toward reconciliation, recently meeting with Labour’s parliamentary party to present her case. Labour has also launched a two-week internal consultation process, concluding on 31 July, after which it will decide whether to back Connolly or put forward a candidate of its own.
Sinn Féin: Eyes on a High-Profile Contender
Sinn Féin has yet to reveal its strategy for the presidency. The party could support a united left platform or put forward a candidate from within its ranks. While Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill is often floated as a strong option, party leader Mary Lou McDonald has added intrigue by not ruling herself out.
McDonald confirmed that Sinn Féin is still evaluating its approach and expects to make a decision in the coming weeks. Other names under consideration reportedly include Belfast MP John Finucane and even former leader Gerry Adams, who would bring undeniable name recognition—albeit with significant political baggage.
Aontú and the Green Party: Alternative Voices
Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín has expressed interest in ensuring that voices beyond the mainstream are represented in the race. While unlikely to support Connolly, Tóibín said he is in talks with two unnamed individuals and several Oireachtas members in an effort to nominate a candidate who reflects his party’s values.
He cautioned that a Connolly vs. McGuinness matchup alone could marginalize certain perspectives within the electorate.
Meanwhile, Green Party leader Roderic O’Gorman has left the door open to supporting Connolly, stating the party is open to dialogue, but has not yet made a decision on whether it will nominate a candidate or endorse someone else.
Fine Gael: McGuinness Emerges as Sole Candidate
Fine Gael has chosen former European Commissioner Mairead McGuinness as its presidential hopeful. After MEP Seán Kelly ruled himself out, McGuinness became the party’s uncontested candidate. However, her candidacy won’t be officially confirmed until a party event scheduled for early September.
While McGuinness is expected to begin canvassing quietly, political observers believe she may avoid major media appearances over the summer to preserve momentum heading into the autumn campaign.
Fianna Fáil: Still Undecided
Fianna Fáil, which hasn’t fielded a presidential candidate since Mary McAleese’s successful 1997 campaign, remains undecided about entering this year’s race. Though Taoiseach Micheál Martin’s name has been circulated as a potential nominee, he is reportedly more inclined to stay in government.
If the party does decide to participate, former TDs Mary Hanafin and Peter Power have been mentioned. Hanafin has publicly expressed interest and said she has already discussed her aspirations with Martin.
Current Fianna Fáil MEPs Billy Kelleher and Cynthia Ní Mhurchú are also considered strong possibilities. Additionally, former SDLP leader Colum Eastwood has expressed interest, though Martin recently said he was surprised by reports linking Eastwood to the party, claiming no formal conversations had taken place.
Independents and Outsiders: Early Movers and Speculation
Several independent or non-party figures have already emerged or are rumored to be exploring a run:
- Declan Ganley, the businessman and founder of the now-defunct Libertas party, is said to be actively seeking support from independent TDs and senators.
- Dr. Mike Ryan, executive director at the World Health Organization, has been floated as a possible candidate, though he has not confirmed interest.
- Peter Casey, who ran in 2018 and finished second, has expressed intent to run again. He would likely need support from local councils, which could be difficult due to major party control at that level.
- Conor McGregor, the MMA fighter and media personality, has frequently spoken about the presidency, but there’s little indication of formal campaign efforts.
- Joe Duffy, RTÉ broadcaster, recently ruled himself out, ending speculation around his potential candidacy.
Looking Ahead
Although the campaign trail has yet to truly heat up, the race to succeed President Higgins is beginning to take shape. With formal nominations expected to solidify in late summer and several major parties still finalizing their approach, the next few weeks could prove decisive in shaping Ireland’s next presidential election.
Whoever steps forward will not only seek to inherit a prestigious office but also the public’s trust in representing the Irish people at home and abroad.
