Fianna Fáil TDs and Senators Back Party Candidate for Presidential Election

Fianna Fáil parliamentarians overwhelmingly support the party running its own candidate in the upcoming presidential election. Among the 25 TDs, Senators, and MEPs polled, just two were conditional or negative, while 23 were in favor of a Fianna Fáil candidate contesting. The party's leadership is set to make a decision by the end of August and put it to the wider party.

Fianna Fáil parliamentarians have expressed overwhelming support for the party to run its own candidate in the upcoming presidential election. Among the 25 TDs, Senators, and MEPs polled, only two were conditional or negative, while 23 were in favor of a Fianna Fáil candidate contesting [1].

The party is currently in the final stages of an internal process to determine if it will run a candidate. Sources have indicated that the leadership will make a decision by the end of August and put it to the wider party for approval. The decision comes amidst a growing consensus among Fianna Fáil members that the party should field its own candidate, particularly given its status as the largest political party in the Dáil, Seanad, and local government [1].

Several prominent Fianna Fáil members have voiced their support for the party to contest the election. Niamh Smyth, Minister of State with responsibility for Artificial Intelligence, stated, "We are the largest political party and should contest the election." Similarly, Erin McGreehan, TD for Louth, emphasized the importance of Fianna Fáil standing up in every election, including the presidential race [1].

However, not all members are in agreement. Minister of State Niall Collins expressed caution, stating that the party should only run a candidate if they can find a suitable and qualified individual with a real chance of winning. He added that the party should not rush into a decision and should instead focus on finding the best candidate possible [1].

The party's decision on a presidential candidate has been a topic of interest in recent weeks. Taoiseach Micheál Martin has confirmed that Riverdance star Michael Flatley has not been approached by the party to be its presidential candidate. Martin emphasized that the presidency belongs to the people of Ireland and that the party will make its decision closer to the end of August [2].

The presidential election is scheduled to take place in November, with President Michael D. Higgins' tenure ending in November. The election will be a significant event in Irish politics, and the decision by Fianna Fáil on whether to run a candidate will have a substantial impact on the race. The party's decision will be closely watched by political analysts and investors alike.

References:
[1] https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2025/08/09/strong-support-in-fianna-fail-ranks-to-field-presidential-candidate/
[2] https://www.thejournal.ie/michael-flatley-fianna-fail-6784173-Aug2025/