Fianna Fáil Considering Presidential Candidate, Taoiseach Micheál Martin Rules Out Bid.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has ruled out running for presidency, stating he is "definitely not" a candidate. Fianna Fáil will consider a candidate in the coming weeks after taking "soundings" from the parliamentary party. Former minister Mary Hanafin has expressed interest in running and believes it would be an insult if her party doesn't run a candidate. The first declared candidates, Mairead McGuinness and Catherine Connolly, emerged last week.

Fianna Fáil has begun exploring potential presidential candidates as the election approaches, with Taoiseach Micheál Martin ruling out his own candidacy. The party is expected to announce a candidate in the coming weeks following consultations with its parliamentary party. Meanwhile, former minister Mary Hanafin has expressed interest in running, while other potential candidates have emerged.

Micheál Martin, the Taoiseach, has stated that he is "definitely not" a candidate for the presidency. The party has indicated that it will be autumn before any name is put forward. Martin has emphasized that the candidate should be above party politics [1].

Mary Hanafin, a former minister, has expressed her openness to running for the presidency. She believes it would be an insult if Fianna Fáil did not put forward a candidate. Other potential candidates include former chief medical officer Tony Holohan, who has been reported to be considering a run, and Riverdance star Michael Flatley, who has indicated he might be open to the idea [1].

Independent senator and businessman Aubrey McCarthy has also expressed interest in running, as has former SDLP leader Colum Eastwood. Additionally, former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern is still considering a potential bid. Derry-based Ulster University professor Deirdre Heenan is also in the mix, according to reports [1].

The first declared candidates, Mairead McGuinness of Fine Gael and Catherine Connolly, an Independent TD with the backing of the Social Democrats and other independents, have already emerged. Fianna Fáil is currently taking soundings from its parliamentary party to determine its candidate [1].

The presidential election is scheduled to take place later this year, and the field of candidates is expected to grow in the coming weeks as more names are floated. The race for the presidency is shaping up to be a competitive one, with a diverse range of candidates vying for the position.

References:
[1] https://www.thejournal.ie/fianna-fail-presidential-candidate-names-6768891-Jul2025/