The next election for President of Ireland (Uachtarán na hÉireann) is expected to happen in October 2025.
The president is the head of state of Ireland and is elected directly by Irish voters. The president holds office for seven years, and can be elected for a maximum of two terms. The presidency is largely a ceremonial office, but the role does include some powers which have constitutional importance. The current president Michael D Higgins was first elected in 2011 and re-elected in 2018. Having served two terms, he is ineligible to run again.
Note this is NOT the Taoiseach (Prime Minister), who is the head of the government of Ireland - a completely separate role.
If adding new names to the list bear in mind that not just any Joe Soap can run in this election. There are three ways to get onto the ballot paper:
A - be nominated by at least 20 elected members of the Dáil (Parliament) or Seanad (Senate)
B - be nominated by four county or city councils
C - be the incumbent (not relevant this election)
Small print:
If the election happens earlier than October 2025 this market will resolve based on the result of that earlier election.
There is no poll if only one candidate is nominated, which has occurred on six occasions, most recently in 2004. If this happens the single nominated candidate will be the winner of this market.
More details: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/President_of_Ireland
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Jim Gavin has withdrawn from the race https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2025/1005/1536926-jim-gavin/
Only two candidates left running now:
Catherine Connolly vs Heather Humphries
Nominations for the Presidential Election are closed, with three names on the ballot.
There are now 30 days left in the presidential campaign.
A key moment in the campaign will be the television debates of which there will be two: one will be hosted by RTÉ's Prime Time and also Virgin Media. No dates have been confirmed but they're expected to take place in the last two weeks of the campaign.
Polling day is set for Friday 24 October.
The count will begin on the morning of Saturday 25 October and a result should be known by 9pm that night.
https://www.rte.ie/news/2025/0924/1535033-presidential-tracker/
Recap, confirmed candidates:
- Catherine Connolly (backed by 5 parties on the left)
- Jim Gavin (FF)
- Heather Humphreys (FG)
Routes open for more candidates:
- Sinn Féin nomination
- Independents in Oireachtas convince some members of big parties to go rogue and back a conservative
- 4 x councils nominate a candidate
- Mary Robinson nominates herself
Two candidates confirmed so far: Mairead McGuinness and Catherine Connolly
https://www.thejournal.ie/mairead-mcguinness-or-catherine-connolly-6765009-Jul2025/
The chatter begins.
From a Eurovision singer to ex-charity chief and Bertie – the 15 potential candidates considering race for Áras
Lists out: Bertie Ahern, Mairead McGuinness, Frances Fitzgerald, Peter Casey, Seán Kelly, Conor McGregor, Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, Frances Black, Fintan O’Toole, Catherine Connolly, Michael McDowell, Heather Humphreys, Fergus Finlay, Michelle O’Neill and Linda Martin
Conor McGregor's chances of making the ballot paper in Ireland's presidential poll are close to zero, experts tell Euroverify
Frances Fitzgerald rules out seeking nomination to run for presidency
https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2025/04/23/frances-fitzgerald-rules-out-seeking-nomination-to-run-for-presidency/
Sinn Fein senator rules out Michelle O’Neill bid for Irish presidency
Taoiseach Micheal Martin rules himself out of the 2025 Presidential election
https://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/taoiseach-micheal-martin-rules-himself-34874268