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Presidential Election 2025

Caquas

Ivana Bacik fired the starting pistol yesterday - calling on the "centre-left" parties to nominate a single candidate "of the calibre of Michael D. Higgins" who, she said, "has been a superb President for all of us".

https://www.rte.ie/radio/radio1/clips/22483396/

By "us", she means the Left. On Holocaust Memorial Day, she can't imagine that Michael D. has been a "superb President" for anyone else. She hopes to do a Dick Spring and claim the space for Labour but she forgets that both Mary Robinson and Michael D. won by appealing to the centre ground (Robinson was never Left Wing, Michael D. won in 2011 by keeping his mouth shut while Norris/Gallagher self-destructed).

The political world will begin to focus on the Presidential election in the coming weeks, once the Ministers of State are appointed and the new Seanad is elected. Mairead McGuinness is currently the bookies' favourite - 7/2 with Boylesports, 4/1 with PaddyPower - but no one has even been nominated yet and there are many twists in the road to the Áras. The prize has never been greater - the annual budget is €5.5 Million and the days of the Trappist President are over - Michael D. has shown there are no Constitutional limits.

Who will jump in this race and who will emerge the winner?

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feelings

Can't help but think there's more skeletons in the closet for Jim... And he got out now while he can save grace.

Does he stay on the ballot? And if so, can his transfers count?

liamtech

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123881052#Comment_123881052

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123881048#Comment_123881048

The blame for this must surely land on Fianna Fail leadership.

The real scandal is not this rent refund issue. Its Jim Gavins candidacy in the first place, and that seems to be on Michael Martin.

JG displayed no ability to perform as a political candidate for high office. His communication was beyond poor, and he couldnt cope with even modest questioning, or deliver his message to the electorate.

Gavin is a good man, with a fantastic record in GAA, and he served his county, and his country well. I think its better that he stand down now -

And all attention should be directed to Michael Martin. If Billy Kelleher wanted to lead the charge on that, i dont think anyone would object.

expectationlost

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123881064#Comment_123881064

yes there will be 3 names on the ballot people could still vote for Jim Gavin.

ForestFire

I asked earlier in the thread about just restarting the whole process…we are one step closer now, I see…

Again, I understand no one can force it… especially 1 "somebody" on a forum, who doesn't like the candidates, as someone else insinuated about my post. And yes, I am not happy with the 3/2 candidates in the race, but I'm more pi$$ed about the Government blocking other candidates from entering, through both the party (TD) nominations and the councils.

But here we are, 3 down to 2

What if we lose another one…or possibly lose both remaining candidates due to "issues"!!

Will Jim still have to clarify his rent money and income declaration from rental income, or will all of this be forgotten about now that he is out?

I mean, no one is fully clean, I understand that, but he should at least make sure he has not left another citizen 3K short, and repay IF this is the case.

Was he a professional landlord or just an accidental one (1 House)…

If it is the latter, I wouldn't be too harsh on Tax, but if the former, I think he should be pursued.

Next hypothetical….I looked it myself and answered below…Just in case we need it

corkie

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123881065#Comment_123881065

Posted this before (I think).

If two out of three candidates withdraw from the Irish presidential election during the official withdrawal period, the remaining candidate is declared elected as President without the need for a public vote. This outcome is set out in Irish electoral law: if only one candidate remains after withdrawals, the election is called off and that candidate is automatically elected.

tayto lover

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123881076#Comment_123881076

Either that or he got wind of something coming down the line at him.

Larbre34

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123881099#Comment_123881099

The majority of presidential elections going back to 1938 only had two candidates. Several only had one.

People need to remember it's not a political office, and to stop treating it like one.

liamtech

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123881076#Comment_123881076

It was the correct decision, no question about it. And he did so in a dignified manner.

The attention should now be directed to those responsible for his nomination.

almostover

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123881065#Comment_123881065

There is an outside chance alright that the Eirigí story could scupper CC yet and force her to withdraw also. Not because she hired an ex-con who was released on license for firearms offences while in the company of dissident republicans, but because she circumvented the Garda vetting process to get this woman in her employ into the Dáil.

Leaves us with HH, who's husband was in the OO many years ago, challenged drink driving legislation in cabinet meetings but voted to pass it and also helped someone in an animal cruelty case.

That's our best of a bad lot I think.

ForestFire

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123880958#Comment_123880958

SSIA account…Are they bringing those back yet…I thougfght I heard something.

Off topic, but I believe every citizen should get this once-in-a-lifetime savings deal…My turn is up, but it's a good practical lesson for everyone in saving with multiple benefits.

MFPM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123881076#Comment_123881076

I think that's putting a very, very positive spin on it. The 'controversy' was about 3K, it could have been easily dealt with - sorry, I made a mistake - I've paid the man or a plausiable explanation as to why he didn't pay it - something doesn't add up. The poll also plays into it - he knows he's not winning the election so why perservere, I'm not sure there's anything 'honourable' about that…Anyway Micheal Martin is the person with the bigger problem right now - he's under some pressure!

ForestFire

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123881064#Comment_123881064

I presume they need to reprint, otherwise we all (Who don't want the other two) vote Jim?

Edit - Vote Jim only (No 2nd, 3rd vote so no transfers), it can now be the protest vote (If he remains on the ballot?)

almostover

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123881083#Comment_123881083

This probably helps HH more than CC, the FFers who were peeved at Gavins selection will likely now row in behind HH as the government candidate. It's a straight shootout now between government and opposition.

MFPM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123881105#Comment_123881105

'The blame for this must surely land on Fianna Fail leadership' - I think this is the crucial issue tonight, MM in particular has a big problem!

Larbre34

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123881096#Comment_123881096

Hopefully, from my point of view. Humphreys is a safe pair of hands.

But I wouldn't be at all betting the mortgage on it as a sure thing.

As for FF, this could take out Micheál. And he looking forward to his EU presidency and his valedictory lap in December '27.

Jim O'Callaghan might try and take him out now

JanuarySnowstor

This is huge really and could over time lead to the collapse of the Government. MM'S reputation is in tatters this evening!! As others have said he bulldozed Gavin through the process and blocked everyone else. Billy K And bertie will be having an extra pint this evening!!

feelings

"serious questions" need to be asked about Taoiseach Micheál Martin judgement (and leadership). 😄

markodaly

There is going to be ructions in FF now.

Think of the cost that went into printing all those Gavin Posters?

His name is still going to be officially on the ballot.

Billy Kelleher would have been able for this campaign. He may not have won it, but he would have been in with a good shout. Now, FF have nothing..!

almostover

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123881134#Comment_123881134

Bertie will be enjoying his Bass this evening alright.

It won't lead to a collapse of the government I don't think, just an internal leadership heave in FF.

Kermit.de.frog

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123881134#Comment_123881134

I don't see how it could concievably collapse the government. It could lead to MM being replaced though.

gormdubhgorm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123881135#Comment_123881135

Yeah I thought posters were exaggerating when there was the Kelleher v Gavin vote.

But now the Corkman might lose more than the AI this year.

murpho999

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123881042#Comment_123881042

How is it farcical? They didn’t know Gavin was going to,withdraw and the constitutionally defined democratic process was followed. Also I’m delighted that Maria “Iona Insitute” Steen did not get on ticket. Country has left these type of people behind and independent TDs should not have backed her.

secman

Serious questions about FF, how the party allowed MM to make this absurd choice of candidate, he was absolutely out of his depth, how did senior FF people not see this, it was blatantly obvious the first time I saw him being interviewed, shocking from FF when they had 2 FF candidates. The good thing is MM will never run for the office.

jesuisjuste

In a proportional representation ballot, it could open up some problematic scenarios. What if CC wins on the first count, but comes second after transfers. Not an issue in a 3 horse race, but when there are only 2 legitimate candidates then it creates a potential problem imo.

KaneToad

I think this is the end of Martin. It was always a short sighted decision to go with a 'celebrity' with no political experience.

liamtech

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123881130#Comment_123881130

Its absolutely all on Martin. He was seen as having pushed for Gavin, against more obvious choices.

What we lack are specific details on Martins thoughts , FOR Gavin and AGAINST Kelleher et all.

I dont know about u, but I will be watching to see if any FFers break ranks and begin revealing what was said. And what was done, that led to Gavin receiving the nomination.

FF will take a hammering on the polls. As well they should, I'll shed no tear.

I kinda hope Gavin is left alone. Happy for people to disagree with that, but I always admired him as a Dublin fan. And I'm sorry this happened

Larbre34

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123881141#Comment_123881141

This is correct.

JanuarySnowstor

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123881156#Comment_123881156

A celebrity??

Between this and a budget that nobody will gain from unless your on the dole means a snap general election is more than an outside chance

Larbre34

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123881154#Comment_123881154

Not really.

Jim Gavin can end campaigning and ask people not to express any preference for him on the ballot paper, but he will still be on it.

After that, the count will play out exactly as it would have anyway, although you would imagine 90% of people who have a brain in their head will ignore him on the paper.

His transfers will still apply though, thems the rules.

markodaly

I think MM is fatally wounded now. The only question is, will he serve his full 3 years as Taoiseach, or will he be replaced before?
Don't forget there is a budget out this week, and it won't be popular.

We are spending billions extra, but apparently, workers are getting ZERO, even though we are in a surplus..
Go figure!

Jim O'C will be favourite now to take over I think.