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 | 9/4 | 30.8% |
Frances Black | 9/2 | 18.2% |
Heather Humphries | 11/2 | 15.4% |
Catherine Connolly | 6/1 | 14.3% |
Bertie Ahern | 8/1 | 11.1% |
Sean Kelly | 8/1 | 11.1% |
Barry Andrews | 10/1 | 9.1% |
Conor McGregor | 16/1 | 5.9% |
Emily O'Reilly | 16/1 | 5.9% |
Michael McDowell | 16/1 | 5.9% |
Next Irish President Betting Favourites & Tips
Mairead McGuiness
The favourite to be the next President of Ireland is Mairead McGuiness with odds of 9/4 suggesting a 30.8% 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.
Due to her extensive experience in politics following a career of over two decades along with her standing in the Fine Gael Parliamentary party, she looks like a very likely candidate for the role in the coming months.
Mairead McGuiness Next President - 9/4
Frances Black
The second favourite to be the next President of Ireland is Frances Black at odds of 9/2. Those odds imply there is a 18.2% chance she will become the next President of Ireland.
Frances Black initially rose to prominence away from politics in the late 1980s when she began to play with her family's band, the Black Family, performing a mix of traditional and contemporary Irish music. However, she made the pivot in her career to politics in 2016 when she was elected at the first attempt to the Seanad as an Independent candidate receiving her nomination from the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland and ran on the Industrial and Commercial Panel. She is a member of the Civil Engagement group in the 25th Seanad.
Black for years has been outspoken for years surrounding the discourse about illegal settlements in occupied territories. She was presented the Arab American Institute Foundation (AAIF)'s Award for Individual Achievement to Black at the 20th annual Kahlil Gibran Spirit of Humanity Awards in Washington. The award was for what they saw has her "tireless efforts on behalf of those struggling with addiction and their families".
A very likely left leaning candidate for the Presidential Election and certainly not without a chance at odds of 9/2.
Frances Black Next President - 9/2
Heather Humphries
Another potential candidate at third in the betting to become the next President of Ireland is Former Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys who at odds of 11/2 has a 15.4% chances of landing the most prestigious position on the island.
Heather Humphreys is member of Fine Gael and previously served as a TD in the party for Cavan-Monaghan (2011-2024), served as deputy leader (2024) and held cabinet roles like Minister for Social Protection, Rural Development, and Arts from 2014-2025. On the 19th of October last year she announced she was not going to contest the 2024 general election saying "politicians are human too".
It's been hotly speculated since that she may return to politics in a bid for the Aras toward the end of this year and as recently as earlier this month stated that she would make her decision about seeking election in the coming weeks.
A high profile politician who could have the backing of one of the biggest parties in Ireland if she choses to run.
Heather Humphreys Next President - 11/2
Catherine Connolly
Another name which has been bandied about for the role of next President of Ireland is current (TD) for Galway West Catherine Connolly with odds of 6/1 to become the Next President of Ireland.
Catherine Connolly was previously a member of the Labour Party until 2006 but has since been Independent a fter 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 - 6/1
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 - 8/1
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