President up for fight despite rivals’ crises
Her decision to seek another seven years in Phoenix Park came as little surprise but the immediate support by major political players has ensured she is a clear favourite for re-election.
Potential contenders, including former MEP Dana Rosemary Scallon and Green Party politician Eamon Ryan, have already encountered difficulties in drumming up support.
Mrs McAleese has proved a popular President and expressed a strong desire to continue her work building up relations between all corners of Ireland.
Her bid to be re-elected as an independent candidate was endorsed by both Government Coalition partners, Fianna Fáil and the PDs, and Fine Gael.
The Belfast barrister said atrocities such as the 1998 Omagh bombing and September 11 attacks had presented great challenges but it was up to the public to assess how she had represented them at home and abroad.
"It is for others to judge whether I have done a good job and whether I have helped them have pride, trust and confidence in their country," she said.
"There are big issues opening up and important decisions to be made about the way we handle this new Ireland and I would very much like to be a part of that," she said.
Flanked by her husband, Dr Martin McAleese, at Áras an Uachtaráin in Dublin, the 53-year-old welcomed the prospect of an energetic fight to retain her position. But already the chances of an election hang in the balance.
Candidates need the backing of four county councils or 20 signatures from the Oireachtas (Dáil and Seanad) to join the race for the presidency.
Former Eurovision song contest winner Ms Scallon has accused the Government of being part of a "cosy arrangement" to own the presidency and attempting to kill the democratic process.
She failed to get the backing of two county councils Clare and Wicklow which supported her bid in 1997.
Mayo and Sligo have also indicated they will not support her.
Mr Ryan took many politicians, not least from his own party, by surprise when he threw his hat into the ring. He is facing a struggle to secure sufficient backing and admits the prospect of being up against Ms McAleese is "daunting".
His candidacy has been backed by the Green Party and will be discussed by its national council on Saturday before the campaign for support begins in earnest.
