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 |
---|---|---|
Mairead McGuinness | 5/4 | 44.4% |
Catherine Connolly | 5/2 | 28.6% |
Mary Lou McDonald | 4/1 | 20% |
Bertie Ahern | 11/1 | 8.3% |
Máire Geoghegan-Quinn | 12/1 | 7.7% |
Emily O'Reilly | 18/1 | 5.3% |
Mike Ryan | 18/1 | 5.3% |
Cynthia Ní Mhurchú | 33/1 | 5.9% |
Fergus Finlay | 33/1 | 2.9% |
Jarlath Burns | 33/1 | 2.9% |
Next Irish President Betting Favourites & Tips
Mairead McGuiness
The favourite to be the next President of Ireland is Mairead McGuiness with odds of 5/4 suggesting a 44.4% chance of her becoming the third female to be President of Ireland following Mary Robinson and Mary McAleese.
McGuinness was the first female graduate of UCD’s Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics in 1980, in 1984 she completed a diploma in accounting and finance before entering politics in 2004 when she was elected to the European Parliament as a Fine Gael candidate. She would spend 16 years in the European Parliament before she was put forward for the European Commissioner role in 2020 a role she was ultimately elected to and has served in since.
Following news that the former EU Commissioner had written to party members Fine Gael party members that she had written to party members seeking nomination, along with being the only one to do so, Mairead McGuiness looks to be in the driving seat to become the Next Irish President.
Mairead McGuiness Next President - 5/4
*Odds are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
Catherine Connolly
The second favourite for the role of next President of Ireland is current (TD) for Galway West Catherine Connolly currently at odds of 5/2 to become the Next President of Ireland.
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.
Catherine Connolly Next President - 5/2
*Odds are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
Mary Lou McDonald
The third favourite to be the next President of Ireland is Mary Lou McDonald at odds of 4/1 suggesting a 20% chance she becomes the next President of Ireland.
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.
Could be one who captures the attention of voters, and one to certainly keep an eye on in the betting market at 4/1.
Mary Lou McDonald Next President - 4/1
*Odds are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
Bertie Ahern
Next in the betting to become the next President of Ireland is another former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern at odds of 8/1 suggesting an 11.1% chance he is elected to the role.
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.
Bertie Ahern Next President - 5/2
*Odds are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
Máire Geoghegan-Quinn
Rounding off the top of the betting market is Máire Geoghegan-Quinn with odds of 12/1 to become the Next President of Ireland.
Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, is a former Fianna Fáil TD (1975–1997) and the first woman Irish cabinet minister since 1922, serving as Minister for the Gaeltacht and Justice, where she decriminalized homosexuality. She was European Commissioner for Research, Innovation, and Science (2010–2014), leading Horizon 2020. A former teacher, she chairs University of Galway’s Governing Authority (2021–2025).
She has recently emerged as a potential candidate for Fianna Fail in the presidential election. with senior party figures believing ‘She’s the one to win it for us’
Máire Geoghegan-Quinn - 12/1
*Odds are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
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