Sinn Féin, Fine Gael Eye Irish Presidency

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has shifted her stance and is not ruling in or out a presidential run, with the party set to clarify its intentions by late July or August. Sinn Féin is considering backing a joint left-wing candidate with Labour and the Social Democrats, and has completed a membership consultation, the results of which are under review. Fine Gael has opened its nomination process for the presidential election, with Mairead McGuinness and Seán Kelly expected to seek candidacy, and nominations closing on July 15. No major political party has yet formally announced a candidate. The presidential election must be held before November 11, 2025, as President Michael D Higgins approaches the end of his second term. The situation remains fluid, with potential for new alliances and developments among opposition parties.