The 2025 Irish presidential election, set to take place by November 11th this year, is shaping up as a contest with a number of individuals expressing interest in succeeding President Michael D. Higgins.
With the nomination process underway and political parties weighing their options, here’s a roundup of who has declared their intent, who’s considering a run, and who has ruled themselves out.
DECLARED INTEREST
Nick Delehanty, a Dublin-based lawyer and entrepreneur, has announced his intention to run as an independent. Known for his criticism of government mismanagement and immigration policies, Delehanty ran in the 2024 local and general elections for Dublin Bay South. He also operates Barkley, a dog care business, and is seeking nominations from local authorities to secure a place on the ballot.
Peter Casey, a Derry businessman and founder of Claddagh Resources, is eyeing another presidential bid after securing 23.3% of the vote in 2018. The former Dragons’ Den panellist declared his interest in running, and is working to gain support from local councils to meet the nomination threshold.
Conor McGregor, the controversial mixed martial artist and former UFC champion, has expressed his desire to run as an independent on an anti-immigration platform. McGregor, who first hinted at his ambitions in 2023, claims to be the “only logical choice” to address issues like government inefficiency and national security.
LIKELY CONTENDERS
Major political parties are still finalising their candidates, with several names emerging as potential runners.
Fianna Fáil is actively exploring its options, with Taoiseach Micheál Martin emphasizing the need for a candidate who can “carry off the office with distinction” and command broad public support. Former minister Mary Hanafin has confirmed she is seeking the party’s nomination, while Bertie Ahern, the former Taoiseach who rejoined Fianna Fáil in 2023, has not ruled out a bid, stating he would “never say never.” Meanwhile, MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú has downplayed speculation about her candidacy.
Fine Gael has signaled its intent to field a candidate, with MEP Seán Kelly and former MEP Mairead McGuinness as frontrunners for the nomination. Kelly, speaking in Brussels, said he is still considering his options.
Sinn Féin is conducting an internal process to decide whether to run its own candidate or back a joint left-wing unity candidate alongside parties like People Before Profit, Social Democrats, and Labour. Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill has not ruled out a run, pending the party’s decision.
People Before Profit is particularly keen on a unified left-wing campaign, believing it could secure a victory.
Aontú has indicated interest in running a candidate but has yet to name their choice, while Fine Gael’s
candidate remains unconfirmed as internal discussions continue.
WHO’S OUT
Several prominent figures have explicitly ruled themselves out of the race. Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has confirmed she will not run, leaving the party’s candidate selection open. Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns, People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy, and Senator Frances Black have also opted out, with Black citing her commitment to the Occupied Territories Bill and other legislative priorities. Former tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald has similarly withdrawn her name from consideration.
THE ROAD AHEAD
To appear on the ballot, candidates must secure nominations from either 20 members of the Oireachtas or four local authorities, or be a former president self-nominating. Eligible candidates must be Irish citizens aged 35 or older and free from constitutional disqualifications, such as holding certain public offices.
The campaign is expected to be rigorous, with Taoiseach Martin noting that past races saw strong contenders “torpedoed” by intense scrutiny. Not all who have declared interest will necessarily secure the nominations needed to become official candidates.
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