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THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION is viewed by many as a one-horse race.
Since announcing his intention to seek a second term in office, Michael D Higgins is widely seen as a shoo-in.
It was unclear if anyone would challenge him, or indeed if he planned to run again himself, until earlier this month.
While running for office in 2011, Higgins (77) said he would only seek one seven-year term but recently changed his mind.
Since officially announcing his bid for reelection on 10 July, there has been much speculation as to who may challenge him.
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“I believe there are good foundations for the further development of the office of president and that the experience I brought to and have gained within the role could be of particular value as we enter a period of great challenge but also of possibility at home and abroad,” Higgins said at the time.
Independent Senator Gerard Craughwell was the first contender to throw his name into the ring last August, saying it was important than an election took place.
However, he bowed out yesterday, saying he could not afford to finance a campaign.
In a statement, Craughwell said putting himself forward “opened up what has been the first serious national conversation on the presidential nomination and election process”.
The senator said he feared that Oireachtas members and local councillors would have been prevented by their parties from backing a potential candidate.
Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and Labour are all backing Higgins’ bid. Sinn Féin, meanwhile, plans to run its own candidate. A candidate needs the support of 20 Oireachtas members or four local authorities to get on the ballot.
Craughwell said, as a number of potential candidates have said they would seek a nomination, he was “satisfied that [he has] achieved the objective [he] set out last August”.
“I will now stand aside and take no further part in the process other than to wish each and every candidate success in their campaign,” he said.
Another rumoured candidate was former GAA president Liam O’Neill but he ruled himself out on last night’s The Tonight Show on TV3, giving similar reasons to Matt Cooper and Ivan Yates.
“I don’t have the logistical group that it takes to undertake a campaign like that… My position was that I’d never said I’d stand but that I’d consider it, and I’m not standing,” he said.
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So, who is expected to contest the election? And how are they likely to fare?
We’ve ranked the potential (and confirmed) contenders, from most to least likely.
1. The incumbent
Quite simply, the man to beat.
Michael D Higgins was a member of the Labour Party from 1968 to 2011 and previously served as Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht in the 1990s, as well as a TD and senator.
His tenure as president is widely seen as successful, with many people viewing him as unbeatable – something highlighted by the fact Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and Labour are all backing him.
Higgins comprehensively topped the poll in 2011 – with more than one million votes. A second term in office is highly likely.
2. Sinn Féin’s candidate
The main challenger to Higgins looks set to be whoever Sinn Féin decides to run. A subcommittee, chaired by TD David Cullinane, is currently looking into selecting the party’s candidate.
A number of names are reportedly in the running, including MEP Liadh Ní Riada, Belfast-based solicitor John Finucane, MP Michelle Gildernew and artist Robert Ballagh.
TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin was also in the mix after announcing his intention to retire from politics earlier this year, but he has since ruled himself out.
Speaking to RTÉ Radio 1′s News at One yesterday, party leader Mary Lou McDonald said she wouldn’t “speculate” on who’s in the running.
Responding to a later query from the TheJournal.ie, in a statement she said: “I am not going to take a view or speculate on individual names.
I have heard a number of names mentioned and certainly we have no shortage of prospective candidates but I do not think it would be fair or appropriate for me to begin speculating at this stage.
The subcommittee is expected to report back to the party’s Ard Comhairle in the coming days.
When asked about Craughwell’s decision to step aside, McDonald said: “I think it’s a pity as he was very keen to run. I think he was the first person to advance the case for an election and I wish Gerard and his family well.”
Announcing the party’s decision to field a candidate, McDonald said on 14 July that a presidential election could be “a very positive thing for Ireland“.
It is right that we give this generation the opportunity to be part of a wider conversation about what a better Ireland should look like.
“These citizens should be given the opportunity to be part of deciding who our president is. Those under the age of 25 have never voted in a presidential election. They shouldn’t have to wait until the age of 32 to have this opportunity.”
3. An independent senator
Craughwell may be out of the running but fellow independent senators Joan Freeman and Pádraig Ó Céidigh have also expressed an interest in challenging for the Áras.
Freeman, the founder of mental health charity Pieta House, has written to a number of county councils seeking their support for a potential bid.
In her letter, she said she is seeking the nomination because she believes the presidency must prioritise “the well-being of the nation, physically and mentally” and deliver “the best quality of life for Irish people here and abroad”.
Ó Céidigh, an academic and founder of Aer Arann, is also said to be considering his options.
Both Freeman and Ó Céidigh are perhaps better known for their work outside politics. Pieta House, the suicide and self-harm prevention charity, has become a household name across Ireland in recent years – as has its flagship event, Darkness Into Light.
Ó Céidigh, meanwhile, has served on the boards of RTÉ and Fáilte Ireland.
Despite their relatively high profiles, neither are likely to beat Higgins.
4. An entrepreneur
Former presidential candidate Seán Gallagher, who lost out to Higgins in the 2011 election, has written to all councils in Ireland asking that they formally set aside time to discuss presidential nominations.
Gallagher said he had been contacted by a large number of councillors from around the country who’d expressed concerns about the “very limited time frame” that now exists to allow a prospective candidate receive a nomination.
He said: “In the interest of democracy and the widest electoral choice possible, I would appeal to you to ensure that you and your council colleagues exercise your constitutional right to nominate a candidate if you so wish.”
Rather than running for election himself for a second time, it’s thought he may back fellow businessman and former Dragons’ Den judge Gavin Duffy.
Could Duffy emulate Gallagher’s near success? It’s a possibility but having at least one senator in the running is more likely.
5. A debt campaigner
Over the weekend, David Hall’s name was also thrown into the mix.
A vocal debt and homelessness campaigner, Hall is the CEO of Irish Mortgage Holders and the owner of Lifeline Ambulance.
The Sunday Independent reported at the weekend that independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice is attempting to drum up support among Oireachtas colleagues for an independent candidate.
He told the newspaper that two independent councillors based in the south of the country put Hall’s name forward.
Hall expressed an interest in the role in a Hot Press interview last November.
Speaking to TheJournal.ie yesterday, Hall said he was considering running and will make a decision on the matter later this week.
Things have changed, Gerard Craughwell is out of the running. Others may enter, others may not. Some councillors are looking at various people, there’s a variety of different conversations happening.
Hall said he was engaging with councillors on the issue out of respect, adding that he was “humbled by the approach”.
He said he was weighing up a number of things, including how he could balance work and family commitments with a potential campaign.
“Everything is being considered at the moment,” he told us.
6. An outsider
Artist Kevin Sharkey has also expressed an interest in running, contacting a number of local councils to gauge support.
Another name appearing across news stories is barrister and Irish Times columnist Noel Whelan.
Seeing as we didn’t even know if there would be a presidential election until recently, the field is suddenly looking quite full – or potentially quite full, at least. Watch this space.
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What a random bunch! Can only see one winner here
@Eric Walsh: That’s because there will only be one winner. We couldn’t have 2 presidents.
@James Brown: lol
What about Danny Healy-Ray? The Journal forgot that Kerry who once wanted to Kexit from the rest of Ireland has last night announced it is putting forward their candidate for president.
He is running for president on the grounds that if he drinks he will have a chauffeur to drive him home and he can drop the neighbours home on the way.
He also had a double barrel name of gentry on both sides of the family so he must be of good stock…….
Only joking now go back to sleep it was all a bad dream.
@Gareth Cooneyhaha thanks Gareth needed a good laugh about my fellow kerryman cheared me up
@Gareth Cooney: will there be a phone-in vote? And maybe even a Presidential Bicycle?
@W Kevin Doyle: how about an “Ireland’s Got Talent” tv show to decide? Get a sponsor to cover the costs and make a mint on the text line….
@Gareth Cooney: If Danny Healy-Ray gets the nod from Hot Press, he’ll in with a chance of saving his deposit.
How about a referendum to abolish the Elitist position?
If we had one for the Seanad, why not the presidency?
A mere figurehead and complete waste of taxpayers money.
Now I know some of the people here will blab about the constitution but it’s still only a figurehead who blows millions on expensive jaunts akin to the royal family although they increase revenue for Britain.
@Trevor Hayden: Have you any idea at all? Seriously. You think the President just goes on holidays? Never mind the sometimes 100+ business leaders in tow ( who pay for themselves) who travel on these “jaunts” who sign business agreements worth millions to Ireland during these visits..
@GerryCummins: We have a minister for trade and enterprise, also the IDA, why do we need to waste more money on a figurehead?
@Trevor Hayden: Who will pass bills into law and then there’s Ar. 26. I’m afraid as wishful as it would be, we’d practically need a new constitution to do it
@Paddy Flynn ☘️: The bills have already been passed, its merely a signature Paddy.
A vote is put to the Dáil, it passes or not.
Could the Ceann Comhairle not sign it?
Thus saving the taxpayer the expenditure of this office.
@Trevor Hayden: You clearly know nothing about Irish law.
@Ennui Kenny: The Oireachtas consists of three parts, The Seanad, The Dáil and the Presidency.
Enda Kenny put forward a referendum to abolish the Seanad, if this is possible, why is the presidency not?
In all your infinite wisdom please explain.
@Trevor Hayden: The role of President is to act as a safety mechanism to stop the government of the day enacting laws with no oversight. The President and the Council of State act as overseers of any legislation that is passed by government and if they deem it to be repugnant to the Constitution then they have various measures to have it examined by the courts and have a legal ruling made on it. If the office of President didn’t exist then Leo or anyone who held his office could declare themselves Supreme Leader in the morning and pass a law to that extent and the electorate would have no comeback.
BTW it’s not my infinite wisdom it’s basic good housekeeping of a democracy 101.
@Ennui Kenny: So Irish Water, Property Tax is seen as constitutional not repugnant and was passed by both government and the president.
The President basically went against the will of the people to appease the government therefore making his position untenable and future presidents will follow suit.
Therefore his position is worthless to the electorate.
@Trevor Hayden:
I was agreeing with you until you brought Irish water and property tax into it.
@P.J. Nolan: My apologies P. J, but I do remember when the Property tax was introduced, FG stated that the fees were to be divided between each constituency for public services.
In my mind water and the maintenance of the water infrastructure is a public service.
Did Michael D ignore the public outrage that water charges brought about?
And why?
There is something that the general public are not being informed of.
@Trevor Hayden: The president only would refuse a sign a bill he/she believed it was in conflict with the constitution.
Because you don’t agree with it is not a reason for the President not to sign it.
@Trevor Hayden: I was waiting for you to bring up the Water charges and the LPT! This is the usual nonsense that people go on about when they haven’t a clue how our government system works. The President and the Council of States job is to make sure that the laws that are to be enacted are lawful within the confines of the Constitution. It has nothing to do with what the people want, that is up to the people when they elect their TD’s. If they are stupid enough to elect TD’s and parties that want to bring in water charges then that is their own look out. Even today FG are riding high in the polls even after the whole Irish Water fiasco so what does that tell you about the average voter?
IW and LPT were legally enforceable and were not in conflict with the Constitution and so couldn’t be stopped by any President. On the other hand if the government decided to pass a law in the morning allowing search without warrant or arrest without due cause both of these could be stopped as they go against our constitutional rights. Without a President in office to stop them Leo could declare a police State in the morning.
@Ennui Kenny: That still does not define a democracy.
@Trevor Hayden: Correct. Sadly this is a republic, not a democracy. They’re actually different.
@Trevor Hayden: By this post you how you complete lack of understanding of the role or the constitution.
@Gary Kearney: Please explain Gary.
The Oireachtas consists of three houses Seanad Éireann, Dáil Éireann and Aras an Uachtarain.
As stated in an earlier post.
Enda Kenny put a referendum forward to abolish Seanad Éireann, if this is possible by the Taoiseach why is a referendum on the abolition of Aras an Uachtarain any different?
I am hopeful the citizenry do not vote for Mr. Higgins. He has proven to be nothing but the epitome of the untruthful politician. He is a con man, tell us that he would only seek a single term in office. What other BS has he put upon us?
@John Flood: You’ve never changed your mind on something after seven years?
@John Flood: So you’ve never in your life changed your mind in the space of a 7 year period? Or do you classify yourself untruthful?
@Wayne: That the problem with the country, FG have been breaking election promises for years ,, but you class that as changing your mind ..
@Irish Bob: What has FG got to do with anything?
A list of overblown egos. Carry on regardless Michael D. Slainte
@Justin Dawson: it’s seems like the press is trying it’s best to have an election. Easy to report on , unlike complex problems like the housing crisis.
Dear Joan Freeman: Let’s develop a government that cares about the well being of our marginalized first. If you want to volunteer, join Serve the City which focuses on Dublin and pays no CEO salaries, or any salary for that matter.
The first story of the day as the awfull journal wakes up and it has to be about politics
@Liam Ward: you think its awful, hate politics and yet still visit it, says more about you than them tbh
Out of this dairy box nut selection I like Sharkey.
It’s like a box of Quality Street’s at Christmas, don’t really like any of them but one is decent enough to eat.
@Hellenize Dublin: Ever thought of deep-frying a Mars bar in batter?
Do we really need a President?
@Stipe Miocic: We live in a Republic so yes, we do.
An ex casino owner, an ex FF bagman and an ex tv personality who appears now to be racist ? Why didn’t the journal mention any of these qualities ?
Rory O’Neill!
@Niall Sheridan:
Who?
An inanimate carbon rod over Kevin Sharkey any day
@John Madden: In rod we trust
Michael D. Higgins has my vote!!
A bunch of also-rans I’m afraid. No serious challenger to mdh so far.
If your man out of the gaa cant afford to be a candidate where is mickey d getting his financial backing.
No need for a president. Leo Varadkar does the same job
@James O’Brien: ‘does the same job ‘ do you mean changing his mind, flip-floping or more to therr point breaking election promises .. yes in that resepect they both do the same job ..
Wh
Just leave well enough alone and get funeral insurance just in case!
Its a long way from 77 to 84.
A variation on Albert Camus:” He died last year or was it the year before” but nobody noticed !
Having seen what constitutes the potential challengers it looks like muchael D still the best oerson so just dont run an election wadting time and mobey donate thise funds to helo homeless families instead be much more wotmrthwhile use of funds .
Whats worse is the letters they are writing to the councillors I will change this that and the other. That means they dont even know what the job entails or how to do it.
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