Two more names surface for presidency bids as Mary Hanafin confirms intent to run

LAST UPDATE | 29 Jun

AS THE PRESIDENTIAL election draws nearer, more people are emerging from the woodwork to cautiously raise their hand – or in other cases, wave it furiously – for consideration for the job. 

Yesterday it was reported that former Fianna Fáil minister Mary Hanafin was “in the mix” for the party nomination. Appearing on RTÉ Radio One this morning, Hanafin doubled down on her intention to snag the Fianna Fáil nomination for the office. She told Brendan O’Connor, “Yes, I’d love the opportunity. I’d love the opportunity to be a Fianna Fáil candidate, and I’d love to bring my experience in public service, law into the job of president, which is the most important job in the country.”

Hanafin said that ultimately it seemed that the decision would lie with party leader and Taoiseach Micheál Martin, whom she has had discussions with on the topic.

She noted that Peter Power, another former minister from the party who now heads Unicef Ireland, is reportedly in talks with Fianna Fáil leadership about the possibility of contesting the presidential election, according to the Irish Independent.

Power, aged 59, was a TD for the party for Limerick East up until the financial crash. He then began as the head of Unicef Ireland in 2012 and has remained there since. He is a qualified solicitor.

Hanafin stressed her record of public service and said that she strongly believes that Fianna Fáil should contest the presidency. 

Minister for Further and Higher Education James Lawless this afternoon refused to be drawn on his opinions on his party’s options for presidential nominations, but said that he thought there would be a candidate established throughout the summer.

Outside of Fianna Fáil, Independent senator and founder of homeless and addiction charity Tiglin, Aubrey McCarthy, told Virgin Media News that the presidency was “something to consider”.

NEW – Independent senator and Tiglin founder Aubrey McCarthy tells @virginmedianews:

"If there was a conversation to be had regarding… a social inclusion candidate, where housing, second chances are part of the norm… certainly I would love the opportunity" to run for #aras25 pic.twitter.com/RJyYKgui4i

— Gavan Reilly (@gavreilly) June 28, 2025

McCarthy said that he would “love the opportunity” to run as a social inclusion candidate where “housing, where second chances are part of the norm”.

He added that he was focused on his role in the Seanad, where he sits on the housing committee. 

McCarthy was first elected to the Seanad this year in the Dublin University constituency. The Co Kildare man has been heavily involved with projects combatting homelessness and addiction, as well as rehabilitation for those who are affected by either issue.

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Why are so few candidates dipping their toe in the water in the race for the Áras?

Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern is understood to still be mulling over a potential bid. For Fine Gael, former European Commissioner Mairead McGuinness and MEP Seán Kelly appear to be the frontrunners for the party’s nomination. 

There are more people refusing to rule themselves out than ruling themselves in; among them Joe Duffy, Tommy Tiernan, MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, MEP Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan, and First Minister Michelle O’Neill.

That’s not to forget more fringe candidates: Conor McGregor has repeatedly expressed his desire to run, as has businessman Peter Casey. 

The presidential election must take place by 11 November at the latest.