Former European Commissioner Mairead McGuinness has formally withdrawn from the upcoming Irish presidential election, citing health issues that she says would prevent her from fully committing to the campaign.
McGuinness, widely regarded as the frontrunner to succeed President Michael D Higgins, was preparing to contest the election as Fine Gael’s candidate later this year. However, in a statement issued on Thursday, she confirmed her decision to step aside following a recent hospital stay.
“My priority now is my health,” McGuinness said. “Given that the election is in a short couple of months, I do not believe that I have the strength to give the campaign my all.”
She revealed she had informed Tánaiste and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris of her decision, thanking him for his understanding and support.
“I appreciate that this will come as a shock and disappointment to party members and colleagues in Fine Gael, but our political family is strong,” she said. “This is the right decision for me and my family, and I ask for privacy at this time.”
Fine Gael Reacts to ‘Awful Shock’
Tánaiste Simon Harris described the announcement as “an awful shock” but said McGuinness’s health must come first.
“It was our clear view in Fine Gael — and the view of many people across Ireland — that Mairead would make an excellent president of Ireland. Mairead’s health will now not allow this,” Harris said.
He confirmed that Fine Gael’s executive council will meet in the coming days to decide the party’s next steps in the election but stressed that “today is about paying tribute to Mairead.”
The Road to the Áras: Who’s in the Running?
The Irish presidency is largely ceremonial, with the holder serving a seven-year term. The election must be held before 11 November 2025, when President Higgins’ 14-year tenure ends.
Candidates must be Irish citizens over the age of 35 and be nominated by either 20 members of the Oireachtas or four local authorities.
So far, the confirmed and prospective candidates include:
- Catherine Connolly (Independent TD), officially backed by the Labour Party.
- Gareth Sheridan (entrepreneur), seeking nominations with support from Tipperary and Laois county councils.
- Peter Casey, runner-up in the 2018 election with 23.1% of first-preference votes, has expressed interest in running again.
- Conor McGregor (MMA fighter) and Michael Flatley (Riverdance founder), both seeking backers to secure a place on the ballot.
- Tony Holohan, former Chief Medical Officer, has indicated he may run.
- Sinn Féin is still finalising its candidate.
- Fianna Fáil is weighing its options, with academic Deirdre Heenan tipped as a potential nominee.
The last time Fianna Fáil contested a presidential election was in 1997, when Belfast-born Mary McAleese was elected.
McGuinness’s exit reshapes the race, removing one of its most high-profile contenders and leaving Fine Gael with the urgent task of finding a replacement in what is shaping up to be one of the most diverse presidential contests in recent decades.
