Source: Politico
“Former EU Commissioner Mairead McGuinness and left-wing lawmaker Catherine Connolly have confirmed they want to be Ireland’s next president — but the field could grow crowded as bigger names join the battle. It’s extremely early days in an election that must happen by November but has yet to be called. Speculation is rife that the contest could feature one, or both, of the two biggest beasts in parliament: Fianna Fáil party leader Prime Minister Micheál Martin, and Sinn Féin opposition leader Mary Lou McDonald. Neither have ruled themselves in or out. Ireland’s presidency comes with a stately manor and a stable seven-year term, but it’s a largely ceremonial role independent of real-world government that makes it a potential magnet for anti-establishment votes.” (07/16/25)