DUBLIN — Barrister and campaigner Maria Steen’s bid for the Irish presidency has concluded as she failed to secure the required number of nominations from members of the Oireachtas. With the nomination deadline passing at midday, Ms. Steen’s campaign, which had amassed 17 signatures, fell three names short of the 20-member threshold.
The outcome confirms that the 2025 presidential election will feature the smallest field of candidates in 35 years. The three confirmed candidates on the ballot are:
- Catherine Connolly, the Independent TD for Galway West.
- Jim Gavin, the former Dublin GAA manager running for Fianna Fáil.
- Heather Humphreys, Fine Gael’s candidate and Minister for Social Protection.
In the hours leading up to the deadline, Ms. Steen and her team made a final, strenuous effort to secure the last few nominations. She was supported by a cross-section of independent TDs and senators, including members of the Aontú and Independent Ireland parties. However, the anticipated backing from a “last-ditch” supporter from the government side did not materialize, as any such move would have resulted in the immediate loss of the party whip.
The inability of Ms. Steen to secure the final nominations highlights the significant challenge faced by candidates who are not backed by a major political party. The nomination process requires either the support of 20 members of the Oireachtas (comprising TDs and senators) or four local authorities.
The final list of candidates has now been formally submitted to the Presidential Returning Officer, and the campaign is set to intensify ahead of the election on October 24.
