Poll: Who would you vote for in the presidential election?
James Cox and Eva Osborne
Names have been slow to emerge ahead of the presidential election, but some have formally launched their presidential bids.
Independent TD Catherine Connolly formally launched her bid to become Ireland’s next president last month, saying she wants to “empower people” to find their own voices.
Gareth Sheridan, former CEO of US-based company Nutriband, has also launched his presidential bid. The 35-year-old would become the youngest ever president if he was to be elected.
On Thursday, Fine Gael's nominee for the presidential election, Mairead McGuinness, pulled out of the presidential race and said the decision was made as a result of medical advice.
Fine Gael MEP Seán Kelly is actively reconsidering his decision not to contest this year’s presidential election.
According to The Irish Times, a source close to Mr Kelly said that while the MEP was “very sad” for Ms McGuinness, the contest was a “new ball game” now.
In July, Mr Kelly ruled himself out and said that deciding not to run for president was the “most difficult decision” of his political life, with Ms McGuinness winning the nomination unopposed.
In June, former minister Mary Hanafin said she was planning to seek the Fianna Fáil nomination to contest the presidential election.
The Tipperary native and former Dun Laoighaire TD told the Irish Independent she is "in the mix".
"If I could contest it, I would happily do that. It’s a role I would hope people could feel I would do well, both nationally and internationally," she said.
Fianna Fáil hasn't put forward a candidate for the election since 1997.
“I think it would be an insult to the office of president if the largest political party doesn’t contest it. It’s a really important constitutional role,” she said.
Riverdance star Michael Flatley is to seek a nomination to become Ireland’s next president, a court heard at the end of July.
The choreographer’s barrister made the announcement during a High Court case he has taken in relation to works carried out at his mansion in Co Cork, the Castlehyde.
Former taoiseach Bertie Ahern, former minister Éamon Ó Cuív, and MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú have all been linked with a bid.
Sinn Féin has not selected a candidate yet, but Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill has not ruled out a bid.
At a press conference in Co Armagh, Ms O'Neill was asked about the possibility of her running in the election.
She replied: "I think I’ve plenty to do, being First Minister. But I would think the fact remains that I could stand for election, I could be elected as Uachtarán na hÉireann, but I can’t vote in that election, so that’s where there’s a deficit and what we need to see is presidential voting rights extended to the North so the Irish citizens in the North can vote.”
Former SDLP leader Colum Eastwood was also linked with a presidential bid. He told the BBC that people had asked him to consider a presidential bid.
“I’m going to take the time to think about it."
Recently retired radio presenter Joe Duffy and broadcaster said last month that he is not seeking a nomination to become the next president of Ireland.
Duffy’s name had been floated as a potential candidate for the office in a number of media reports.
Less likely is Conor McGregor, who has made his desire to run no secret, however, he would likely find it difficult to be nominated by at least 20 members of the Oireachtas or the backing of at least four local authorities — city or county councils.
Conor McGregor would not be fit to be president of Ireland, Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien said.
Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien compared MMA fighter McGregor (37) to outgoing President Michael D Higgins, who is a former arts minister and sociology lecturer.
