Political party Sinn Féin gathers for a meeting amidst intensifying competition in the Áras race
Ireland's Presidential Election: Sinn Féin's Decision Ahead
The clock is ticking for Ireland's next presidential election, with incumbent Michael D. Higgins' term ending on the 11th of November. The race to Áras an Uachtaráin is heating up, and one party, Sinn Féin, faces a significant decision.
Sinn Féin, the third-largest party in the Irish parliament, is considering fielding their own leader as a candidate. Gerry Adams, a former party leader, has been mentioned, but his age and potential lack of energy may be a concern. If Sinn Féin is to mount a significant challenge, they may opt for their best candidate.
The main known candidates for the 2025 Irish presidential election include Maria Steen, a conservative activist supported by the Aontú party, which is seeking to nominate a candidate through a coalition of small parties and independents. Notably, Conor McGregor had initially announced his candidacy but withdrew in September 2025 after family discussions, citing concerns about Ireland's election nomination rules.
Other contenders include Catherine Connolly, who has announced her bid for the presidency, along with former EU Commissioner Mairead McGuinness for Fine Gael. Entrepreneur Peter Casey, who came second in 2018, is seeking the nomination again.
Sinn Féin's leadership faces four main challenges in deciding their presidential candidate. Running a Sinn Féin candidate comes with risks, as their last attempt in 2018 resulted in a poor showing. Some within the party may take convincing to support Mary Lou McDonald for the presidential election. The personality-based nature of a presidential election and the cost of running a campaign are potential concerns.
The Sinn Féin Ard Chomhairle, consisting of political leaders and regional delegates, will study the findings of an internal consultation on their election strategy. A Sinn Féin meeting is planned to decide on their strategy for the Irish Presidential election.
If Mary Lou McDonald loses the presidential election, she and the party may have to decide whether to return to the political fold or retire. Independent TD Catherine Connolly is now hoping to secure the backing of Sinn Féin and other left-wing parties.
Academic Deirdre Heenan and former Social Democratic and Labour Party leader Colum Eastwood are potential candidates for other parties. John Finucane, a credible candidate and formidable campaigner, is also being considered by Sinn Féin for their presidential candidate.
Some celebrity candidates, such as Michael Flatley and Conor McGregor, have expressed interest in running for president. However, the focus remains on the political contenders, as they prepare for the upcoming election.
Stay tuned for more updates as Ireland's political landscape continues to evolve.
Read also:
- Lu Shiow-yen's Challenging Position as Chair of the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Under Scrutiny in Donovan's Analysis
- Japanese leader stepping down from office
- Leaders Pashinyan and Aliyev convene at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation's annual gathering
- Policies proposed by Prabowo are causing a mix of optimism and unease among Indonesians
