2025 Irish Presidential Election Odds: Who Will Be The Next Irish President?

From Ballots to Betting: What to Expect in the 2025 Irish Presidential Election

Michael D Higgins has completed his maximum two terms as President: time for Ireland to enter a new era as the presidential election campaigns are well underway. 

The Irish presidential election system is meticulous, ensuring that whichever candidate is elected is fit for the job. Not just anyone can run for the presidency. The candidate must be nominated by either 20 members of the Oireachtas or by at least four local authorities. After the candidates have been locked in, Irish citizens will head to the polls to vote using the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system. Here’s a quick STV refresher for first time voters: people can just vote for one candidate if they wish, but the ballot provides the option to rank the candidates in order of preference which may come in handy if no one receives 50%. In this instance, plan B begins. The lowest scoring candidate is removed and the voter's second choices are then taken into account, continuing until a candidate tips over the 50% mark. In January this year, the coalition between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael began as the two main center-right parties came to a power sharing agreement. It will be interesting to see how the newly elected President will complete this political structure.

There will be inevitable twists and turns in the lead up to the election, so get comfortable with a cold Guinness and watch it all unfold. And if you fancy a punt on the politicians rather than the ponies, here are the current Irish Presidential Election odds and betting guide.

When Does the Election Take Place?

As Higgins’s 14 years of presidency comes to an end on 11th November 2025, Article 12(3) of the Bunreacht na hÉireann/Constitution of Ireland outlines that the election may not take place more than 60 days before the end of the current term. The election date is currently undecided but it is expected to take place around mid October to early November. As Higgins was inaugurated on November 11th 2018, the newly elected president will settle into office on November 12th 2025. 

Mairead McGuinness is the current favourite to step into the role of President at the end of this year. McGuiness has been a key player in Irish politics representing Fine Gael over the past two decades, making her one of the most experienced senior officials in Ireland. This isn’t the first time that McGuinness has attempted to run for presidency, but 2011 wasn’t McGuinness’ year as she lost out the nomination to Gay Mitchell. Will 2025 be her time to shine? Bet365 has McGuinness’ odds available at 5/6.

Catherine Connolly is currently the second favourite for the presidential role and is coming from a completely different political direction. Starting her political career as a member of the Labour Party but later realigning herself with Galway West. She has served as an independent Teachta Dála (TD) for Galway West since 2016. One of her biggest appeals is that she aligns politically with Higgins, with a hope to continue Higgins’ efforts of unity and social reform. With this in mind, Connolly is currently priced at 9/4 with Bet365.

Mary Lou McDonald is doing the Hokey Cokey as she can’t quite decide if she is in or out of the Presidential elections. In March, the Sinn Féin leader said she had ruled herself out of the running but did a 180 in July by saying, “We are not ruling anything in or out.” Following this statement, bookmakers slashed her odds considerably making her the 3rd favourite in this race. Whether McDonald will be in and out before the count stops is currently undecided but she is shaking it all about at 11/2 with Boyle. 

Bertie Ahern, aka the Teflon Taoiseach, is another candidate gathering momentum as the election campaigns continue. Ahern has certainly had highs and lows throughout his career, especially when serving as Taoiseach between 1997 and 2008. Ahern led Ireland through the prosperous Celtic Tiger era and he might just be the figurehead needed to guide the country through the potential tough times ahead. Boyle currently has Ahern priced at 6/1 to take the next presidential role. 

Heather Humphreys has taken herself out of the race, citing her wish to spend more time with friends and family. The bookies have still counted her as a fighting candidate, as Humphreys may change her mind and make an eager return following a short hiatus. In April 2024, Humphreys was appointed as Deputy Leader of Fine Gael, but stepped down in the autumn as she announced she did not desire re-election in the 2024 general election. Bet365 has priced her at 12/1, predicting a comeback to the political scene before the leaves turn brown. 

Is Conor McGregor Running?

The Irish Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) star who holds two Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC) is throwing his tweed flat cap in the ring for a chance to win the presidential election. His career in politics hasn’t been quite as successful as his fighting career, failing to garner the support from the Oireachtas or local authorities he needs for a nomination. He hasn’t given up hope yet, though. Instead, he has turned to social media to petition for a change to the current constitutional framework, in hopes of securing the necessary nomination. Bet365 has his odds at 50/1 currently, but this could change if he is nominated.