As Ireland prepares for the 2025 presidential election, speculation is already rife about potential candidates. A range of names, from established politicians to unexpected contenders, have emerged in public discussions. Political experts anticipate a campaign as intense and scrutinizing as previous elections, with candidates facing tough questions about their pasts. The race is seen as highly competitive, with all major parties eager to secure the presidency.
Names bandied about include Mairead McGuinness, Heather Humphreys, Bertie Ahern, Tommy Tiernan and Conor McGregor
“The expectation of people is different now because of Michael D,” says Eoin O’Malley, associate professor of political science at Dublin City University. Given the pattern of recent presidential elections, it is certain that Ahern would face intense and testing questioning over his personal finances, his experience with the planning tribunals and the economic crash of 2009.“Would Bertie want to put himself through that?” asked one Minister. “The presidential election is a very naked race.”
The 2011 presidential race was a particularly brutal campaign for candidates, all of them facing tough and intrusive questions about their past actions. “It’s a tough election. Anybody who thinks about it needs to consider it very carefully because it could end up being a really unpleasant experience.”
The three leaders will meet this week for exploratory talks. Bacik says a number of people have already approached her who are interested but she will not divulge their names. She also hints at a person who is not connected with any of the parties. A few left-field candidates have been mentioned, including comedian Tommy Tiernan. His name being mentioned is a mystery to those who know him. He is a friend of Michael D Higgins and perhaps that is why his name is being mentioned, an acquaintance of his said. His candidacy is not seen as a likely prospect.“Pure speculation I’m afraid,” he said. “No one in the political arena has mentioned it to me at all and I’ve no reason to believe it’s being discussed at any level.
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