Presidential Election Set for October 24 as Parties Finalise Candidates
Dublin: The presidential election in Ireland has been formally scheduled for October 24, with ratification to take place on September 13. Local Government Minister James Brown will sign the Presidential Election Order today, following discussions with Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Tánaiste Simon Harris, and Minister of State Seán Kenny. A memo will also be issued ahead of today’s Cabinet meeting.
Candidates will have 21 days to submit nominations, with the deadline set for September 24.
Fine Gael has officially confirmed former minister Heather Humphreys as its presidential candidate. Party leader and Tánaiste Simon Harris welcomed her nomination, saying he believed she could “break down barriers and bring people together in a world of growing divisions.”
Her selection follows the withdrawal of MEP Seán Kelly, who had previously declared his candidacy but failed to secure the support of 20 TDs required for nomination, managing only 12. Kelly announced his withdrawal “reluctantly” and wished Humphreys success in the election.
However, Fine Gael’s internal process has exposed sharp divisions. Former Dublin GAA manager Jim Gavin has claimed the backing of 24 members of the party’s 71-member parliamentary group, while TD Billy Kelleher has also signalled interest, saying he has the necessary support to enter the contest. A minimum of five TDs is required to secure a nomination in the party’s internal race, and more than 40 members have yet to declare their position.
Meanwhile, Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has held discussions with Bob Geldof after approaches were made to the activist and musician. Party sources say Martin made it clear to Geldof that Fianna Fáil will be supporting its own candidate.
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