Ireland is expected to elect its tenth President this October, with the successor to Michael D. Higgins set to take office on November 12th 2025. While the process is steeped in constitutional formality, the race itself often veers into the personal: rapidly changing fields, public image battles, and the occasional smear campaign are as much a part of the contest as the official count.
Though largely ceremonial, the President plays a central constitutional role. They represent the nation at home and abroad, sign bills into law, and can formally appoint the Taoiseach and other government officials. Further, they can summon or dissolve Dáil Éireann, the lower house of the parliament. Finally, they serve as Supreme Commander of the Defence Forces, though military command lies with the Government.
Under Bunreacht na hÉireann, the Constitution, a presidential election must take place no more than 60 days before the end of the current President’s seven-year term on 11 November. The official nomination deadline and polling date will be announced by the Minister for Heritage, James Browne, shortly. If more than one candidate is validly nominated, the poll will use Ireland’s instant-runoff voting system (i.e., single transferable vote for single-winner races), where a candidate must secure over 50% of votes, with successive elimination and vote redistribution of lowest-ranked candidates until someone crosses the threshold. If only one candidate is nominated, they are elected without a contest.
How Candidates Qualify
A candidate must be an Irish citizen, and at least 35 years old on election day. They can be nominated by 20 members of the Oireachtas (the Parliament, both the Dáil and Seanad (Senate)), or four county or city councils, or by themselves, (only if they are a current or former President who has served only one term).
The Fast-Changing, Personality-Driven Battle
While the role is largely above politics, campaigns are anything but bland. In the absence of major policy responsibilities, Irish presidential contests often become tests of trust, Irishness, media charm, and personal history. Public perception can shift quickly, and hopefuls sometimes find themselves fighting reputational skirmishes instead of political battles.
This year is already proving to be a volatile one: high-profile entrants have dropped out suddenly, new faces have emerged overnight, and the rumour mill keeps spinning.
Who’s In, and Who Might Be (as of 22 August)
Catherine Connolly (Independent)
The only fully confirmed candidate so far. The Galway West TD has backing from Social Democrats, People Before Profit, Labour, and several independents. Her campaign champions climate action, Gaeilge, rural Ireland, international peace, Irish neutrality, housing reform, and a united Ireland.
Mairead McGuinness (Fine Gael, Withdrawn)
Fine Gael’s frontrunner was reported with a lead of 7pts over Connolly on 14 August, but hours later, stunned her party by withdrawing from the race on medical advice, following a hospital stay. Her departure leaves Fine Gael in need of finding a replacement.
Mary Lou McDonald (Sinn Féin, Increasingly Less Probable)
The Sinn Féin leader is “not ruling out” a presidential run. Factions of the party, however, appear to favour backing Connolly as a united left candidate, but recent comments say firmly the contrary. A final decision from Sinn Féin’s leadership is expected in the coming weeks.
Gareth Sheridan (Independent)
At 35, the multi-millionaire pharma CEO and Nutriband founder would be the youngest candidate in the race if nominated. He has commented that he wishes to represent young people trapped out of the Irish housing market. He is actively seeking support from local councils, with two reportedly confirmed already.
Bertie Ahern (Fianna Fáil, Speculated)
The former Taoiseach’s name continues to circulate in Fianna Fáil circles. While some see him as a unifying elder statesman, others argue that past controversies could make a candidacy divisive.
Heather Humphreys (Fine Gael, Probable)
The former Minister for Social Protection and a veteran of several cabinet portfolios, Humphreys has been floated as a potential Fine Gael nominee following Mairead McGuinness’s withdrawal. She is seen as a safe and experienced choice.
Seán Kelly (Fine Gael, Less Probable)
Currently an MEP and former president of the GAA, Kelly has long been mentioned in Fine Gael circles as a contender for Áras an Uachtaráin. With a national profile and strong ties to sport, he would bring broad public recognition.
Rose Conway-Walsh (Sinn Féin, Possible)
Frontbench TD for Mayo and previous leader of Sinn Féin in the Seanad, Conway-Walsh is an advocate on enterprise and employment issues. She has been approached by members of her party to run.
Declan Ganley (Independent?)
The tech entrepreneur and Rivada Networks CEO has floated a bid while managing his satellite communications venture.
This year’s presidential race is already a lively mix of seasoned politicians, independent crusaders, celebrity aspirants, and business leaders. Given the pace of developments, the list of contenders may look very different by the time nomination day arrives.
