Bertie Backed for Áras Bid

McGuinness and Finlay vying for favouritism

Bertie's Odds Cut

Bertie Ahern looks increasingly likely to launch a bid to become Ireland’s next President according to the latest odds from BoyleSports, with the bookie cutting the former Taoiseach’s odds into 11/2 (from 8/1).

Michael D Higgins is set to vacate Áras an Uachtaráin next year when his second term comes to an end and Ahern continues to fuel speculation that he is set to appear on the ballot paper having refused to rule himself out of the Presidential race.

McGuiness Also Fancied

Outgoing EU Commissioner Mairead McGuinness, who failed to secure the Fine Gael party nomination ahead of the 2011 election, remains the bookies' favourite at odds of 4/1 with Fergus Finlay, who unsuccessfully sought the Labour nomination in the same election, also well fancied at 5/1.

Martin For Taoiseach

One-time favourite Micheál Martin has now drifted out to 14/1 as the Fianna Fáil leader focuses his attention on becoming Taoiseach while Miriam O’Callaghan is rated the fourth favourite to enter Ireland’s highest office at 12/1. Heather Humphries (16/1) also features near the top of the betting and could become the third woman to hold the position.

The betting is all change on who will succeed Michael D Higgins, with former favourite Micheál Martin on the drift. Punters, however, are growing in confidence that an ex-Taoiseach is set to take up residence in Phoenix Park and they’re giving their vote to Bertie Ahern.

*Prices are subject to fluctuation.

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