Taoiseach 'definitely not' running in presidential election as Mary Hanafin seeks backing

President Michael D Higgins with Micheál Martin. File picture: Maxwells

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has emphatically ruled himself out of running in the presidential election.

The Fianna Fáil leader had been suggested as a contender in the race for the Áras, but he has now said his hat will not be in the ring.

When asked if he would be in the running to replace Michael D Higgins, Mr Martin said he was "definitely not" going to run.

“A lot of names have been floated in association with Fianna Fáil," Mr Martin told RTÉ's Morning Ireland. "I'm not responsible for the flotation of any of those names, just to make that very clear.

"I was elected. I went to the people to say I wanted to serve Cork South Central and I wanted to lead Fianna Fáil into Government. I made that obligation to the public, and that's the context.

"No disrespect to the presidency or anything, but I gave commitments to the people that I would serve in Dail Éireann for the next five years and that is what I'm going to do."

He said Fianna Fáil will decide on what it will do in the presidential election in the coming weeks and he is “taking soundings” from the parliamentary party on the matter. Fianna Fáil last ran a candidate in 1997 with Mary McAleese.

Hanafin seeks backing for presidential run

It comes as former minister Mary Hanafin has written to members of the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party seeking their backing for a presidential run.

Ms Hanafin, a former Fianna Fáil TD for Dun Laoghaire and former education minister, has expressed interest in recent weeks in contesting the election.

Last week, she told the McGill Summer School it would be an “insult” if Fianna Fáil did not run a candidate in the election, which is widely expected to take place in October.  

In a message sent to members of the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party, seen by the Irish Examiner, Ms Hanafin asked for their support in seeking a nomination.

“I believe strongly that Fianna Fáil should contest this election to ensure our values are reflected in the debates on the future of our country,” she said.  

After 30 years as an elected Fianna Fáil representative, including 11 as a Government Minister, I would like to express my interest in contesting this election.

“We do not know yet what the selection process will be but I look forward to setting out my vision at that stage.

“In the meantime, I will continue to attend events around the country, make good use of time and hopefully meet you on my travels.

“I look forward to speaking with you personally and I wish you a well deserved rest and enjoyable holiday.” 

However, the Irish Examiner understands there is little support in the party for Ms Hanafin, with one party member saying she “did not have a hope” of getting on the ticket. Another TD said she would not have many fans within the party.  

It is unclear if the Taoiseach is supportive of the idea, with reports suggesting earlier this week that Ulster University president Deirdre Heenan is his preferred candidate. Mr Martin on Wednesday denied that he had been in contact with Ms Heenan.

Other names in the mix for the Fianna Fáil nomination include former chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan and footballers Packie Bonner and Niall Quinn.   

The Irish Examiner reported on Monday that Éamon Ó Cuiv was another name being touted as a possible Fianna Fáil presidential candidate. The former Galway West TD said he is waiting for the party to confirm it is running a candidate.

However, the party’s candidate is not expected to be confirmed until September.  

So far, Independent TD Catherine Connolly and former European Commissioner Mairead McGuinness have announced that they will run.

Ms Connolly has the backing of the Social Democrats and People Before Profit, while Ms McGuinness will be Fine Gael's candidate for the presidential election.

The election must take place on or up to 60 days before November 11, 2025.