EXPLAINERFeatures|ElectionsIrish presidential election: Who is running and what’s at stake?A hotly contested race is anticipated following the withdrawal of one of the three candidates vying to succeed popular President Michael D Higgins.
On Fri, Oct 24, 2025, voters in Ireland will go to the polls to elect a new president for a seven-year term. The Irish presidency is largely ceremonial, though it occurs during a significant shift towards a polarized political landscape.
On Fri, Oct 24, 2025, voters in Ireland will go to the polls to elect a new president for a seven-year term. The Irish presidency is largely ceremonial, though it occurs during a significant shift towards a polarized political landscape.
The Irish presidency is traditionally a unifying role with limited political powers, akin to monarchs in other nations. The president's responsibilities include representing Ireland internationally, hosting foreign dignitaries, and ensuring adherence to the Irish Constitution.
Irish politics have historically not followed the typical left-right divide observed in other European countries. However, recent trends indicate a shift. In the 2020 general elections, the left-wing party Sinn Fein gained significant votes, challenging the longstanding dominance of center-right parties Fianna Fail (FF) and Fine Gael (FG).
In 2020, FF and FG formed a coalition government with the Green Party, a first in their history. Post-2024 elections, they collaborated with independents.
Catherine Connolly : An independent candidate supported by a coalition of left-wing parties. Connolly's campaign focuses on social issues, Irish neutrality, and human rights. Heather Humphreys : Representing FG, Humphreys emphasizes local volunteerism and rural development. She aims to maintain national unity and promote reconciliation. Jim Gavin : Initially a candidate for FF, Gavin withdrew from the race but remains on the ballot. If elected, he might decline the role, triggering a new election.
On Fri, Oct 24, 2025, voters in Ireland will go to the polls to elect a new president for a seven-year term.
Ireland employs the Single Transferable Vote system, where voters rank candidates by preference. If no candidate secures an absolute majority, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and their votes are transferred according to second preferences until a candidate achieves more than 50% of the votes.
The housing crisis remains a critical issue, with rising costs and homelessness posing significant challenges. Candidates have differing approaches to addressing these concerns.
Military Neutrality and Triple Lock Mechanism
Debates continue over Ireland's policy of military neutrality and the triple lock mechanism, which requires government, parliamentary, and UN approval for overseas military deployment. Candidates have differing views on reforming this system.
The topic of Irish reunification is increasingly prominent post-Brexit. Both leading candidates support reunification, with varied approaches to bridging divides between Northern Ireland's communities.
The election result is anticipated on Sat, Oct 25, 2025, with the new president inaugurated at Dublin Castle.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.