In this post, you will find all the Next President of Ireland odds, favourites and betting tips as we get closer to a new President occupying the Áras.
Ireland’s current President Michael D. Higgins was first elected to the role in 2011 before he sought a second term in 2018. He retained office, winning the election with 55.8% of the votes.
The role will change hands in 2025 when Higgins’ second term comes to an end as an Irish President can’t hold office for more than two terms. Ahead of that change of office, the betting market is currently very competitive as we look at who could be his successor.
Next President of Ireland Odds
Candidate | Odds | Chance of Winning |
---|---|---|
Catherine Connolly | 11/10 | 47.6% |
Heather Humphries | 7/2 | 22.2% |
Sean Kelly | 7/2 | 22.2% |
Bertie Ahern | 5/1 | 16.7% |
Mary Lou McDonald | 5/1 | 16.7% |
Jarlath Burns | 16/1 | 5.9% |
Michelle O'Neill | 16/1 | 5.9% |
Tony Holohan | 22/1 | 4.3% |
Deirdre Heenan | 25/1 | 3.8% |
Emily O'Reill | 33/1 | 2.9% |
Next Irish President Betting Favourites & Tips
Catherine Connolly
The favourite for the role of next President of Ireland is current (TD) for Galway West Catherine Connolly.
Catherine Connolly was previously a member of the Labour Party until 2006 but has since been Independent after she was denied her wish to contest the Galway West constituency as running mate of Michael D. Higgins. She has since served as an Independent TD for Galway West since 2016, served as Leas-Cheann Comhairle (2020-2024) and Mayor of Galway (2004-2005). A barrister, she chaired the Irish Language Committee (2016-2020).
Given her well respected position across the more left leaning parties, along with her geographical background being similar to Michael D Higgins, she may just be the exact candidate to "Unite The Left" for the upcoming Irish Presidential Election. Though the most recent news is that Sinn Fein will not be endorsing her presidency.
Heather Humphries
Following the announcement from Mairead McGuiness that she will not be seeking a nomination for presidency Heather has moved in the betting from 80/1 to 7/2 to become the Next President of Ireland.
Heather Humphreys is a Presbyterianism her father was a member of the Orange Order, while her grandfather, Robert James Stewart, signed the Ulster Covenant opposing Home Rule in 1912. She has described herself as a proud Irish republican. She attended University College Galway in her youth and spent a number of years she worked as an official with Ulster Bank and the Credit Union. She was later appointed manager of Cootehill Credit Union, a position she held from 1999 to 2011.
She then became involved in politics as a Fine Gael politician who would go on to serve in various cabinet positions from 2014 to 2025. She was a (TD) for the Cavan–Monaghan constituency from 2011 to 2024 and served as deputy leader of Fine Gael from April to October 2024.
Following news the news of Mairead McGuinness withdrawal for the Fine Gael nomination, Heather is considered as one of the main candidates to now secure the nomination.
Sean Kelly
Another name which has been banded about for the Fine Gael nomination is is MEP for the South Constituency Sean Kelly who has spoken previously been tipped as a candidate for President of Ireland
Despite his status as an MEP, he is best known for serving as the 34th President of the GAA a position he held from 2003-2006 and became the first person from Kerry to hold the office, being elected at his first attempt by a record margin at the GAA Congress in 2002.
He has been tipped as a Fine Gael candidate for the Irish Presidential Election for years and with his popular pedigree in the GAA an institution which carries an awful lot of power, influence and votes as well as his background with the EU he certainly ticks a few candidacy boxes.
Bertie Ahern
Next in the betting to become the next President of Ireland is another former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.
Ahern was educated at St. Patrick's National School, Drumcondra and at St. Aidan's Christian Brothers, Whitehall. He received his third-level education at the College of Commerce, Rathmines as part of the Dublin Institute of Technology. Following several years of canvassing for Fianna Fail and being involved in the party he was first elected to the Dail in June 1981 a role he would continually be elected to until February 2011 becoming one of the most popular politicians in the country. He always displayed ambition though and worked as Minister of Finance, Labour and was the Lord Mayor of Dublin before he became leader of Fianna Fail in December 1994 and subsequently became Taoiseach of the country a role he held from June 26th, 1997, to the 7th of May 2008.
Bertie has never ruled out a run for the Irish Presidency and that speculation has intensified with a return to the party in 2023 after 11 years away from politics. He is certainly a name to keep an eye out for as although his Dail career ended in failure he is still well regarded for his role in the peace process and the Good Friday Agreement in 1998.
Mary Lou McDonald
Rounding off the market leaders to be the next President of Ireland is Sinn Fein Leader Mary Lou McDonald.
Mary Lou McDonald has build up an extensive political careers joining Fianna Fáil in 1998 but she left the party after a year due to core policy differences, particularly in relation to Northern Ireland and social justice. She first became a member of Sinn Fein in 2001 and has quickly rose to prominence. She has served as Leader of the Opposition in Ireland since June 2020, as President of Sinn Féin since February 2018, and as a TD for Dublin Central since 2011. She previously served as vice president of Sinn Féin from 2009 to 2018 and as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for the Dublin constituency from 2004 to 2009.
Recently, Mary Lou McDonald has sparked media speculation by refusing to rule out a run for the Irish presidency in 2025, a shift from her March stance when she firmly declined. She confirmed ongoing party consultations and discussions with other left-wing parties about a potential joint candidate, with a clearer decision expected by August.
Despite constantly ruling herself out of the running, the speculation persists that she may change her mind in time.
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