Presidential Election Narrows to Three Candidates — Connolly, Humphreys, and Gavin
Dublin: Ireland’s presidential race is now officially a three-way contest, with Catherine Connolly, Heather Humphreys, and Jim Gavin confirmed as candidates ahead of the election on Friday, October 24.
The ballot has been reduced to its smallest field in 35 years after Maria Stein failed to secure the 20 Oireachtas nominations required. Despite support from Aontú and 18 TDs and senators, Stein fell short of the threshold.
Catherine Connolly
Independent Galway West TD Catherine Connolly, 68, enters the race with strong backing from Sinn Féin, Labour, the Social Democrats, the Green Party, and People Before Profit. A lawyer and clinical psychologist by profession, Connolly began her political career as a Galway City Councillor in 1999 and was first elected to the Dáil in 2016.
Fluent in Irish, she has criticised TG4’s decision not to hold a presidential debate this year. Connolly has pledged to be a voice for those “at the bottom of society”.
Heather Humphreys
Former cabinet minister Heather Humphreys, 65, is Fine Gael’s candidate following Mairead McGuinness’s withdrawal for health reasons. Active in politics since 2003, Humphreys previously served as Minister for Social Protection and is currently the party’s deputy leader.
A Monaghan native, she describes herself as a “proud Ulsterwoman, Protestant and Irish republican.” Humphreys said she offers “honesty, compassion, and service” and points to her long record of supporting communities.
Jim Gavin
Former Dublin GAA manager Jim Gavin, 54, enters the presidential race as Fianna Fáil’s candidate, nominated by party leader Micheál Martin. Known for leading Dublin to six All-Ireland victories, Gavin also served as an Air Corps Commandant and is currently operations director at the Irish Aviation Authority.
Though relatively new to national politics, Gavin has held public leadership roles, including serving as Dublin’s directly elected mayor (2022–2023) and chairing the North-East Inner City Taskforce’s Citizens’ Assembly. He has pledged to broaden community engagement, open Áras an Uachtaráin to the public, and promote Ireland internationally.
With three strong contenders representing very different backgrounds and political traditions, the stage is set for one of the most closely watched presidential races in decades.
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