Presidential race heats up: A look at the current favourites, long shots and non-runners

Extra.ie​

15 hours ago

It was claimed this was the race no one wanted to enter, but nonetheless, a Grand National-style field is chaotically milling around the starting gates of the Presidential election due to take place later this year. With the final date for candidate selection looming, attempts are being made to bring order and control to the prospective runners and riders.
Here we go through the large field of names and break them down into favourites, contenders, long shots and non-runners…
Micheál Martin (Fianna Fáil, 8/1)
Like Michael Corleone and the Cosa Nostra , every time Micheál tries to leave the Presidential race, his party drags him back in. Were he to run on a 'Grandad of the Nation' ticket, he would be in the final count — but our fabulously indecisive Taoiseach knows nothing is guaranteed. Micheal Martin. Pic: Getty
Mairéad McGuinness (Fine Gael, 10/1)
Technically the favourite, but concerns are high in Fine Gael that while she will start briskly, she could finish poorly. Front-runners and certainties have a bad history in Áras races. Ask David Norris and Adi Roche.
Mary Lou McDonald (Sinn Féin, 12/1)
Mary Lou is a formidable campaigner who actually connects with the voter. Best suited perhaps to a short sprint. Running could be a political shot to nothing — unless Mary Lou ends up as the sweeper candidate who gets Catherine Connolly over the line. Then we'd have trouble. Mary Lou McDonald. Pic: Fran Veale
Catherine Connolly (Independent, 12/1)
If the left can get its act together, the spiritual heir to Michael D. Higgins — despite their personal rivalry — has a real chance. Those of a mischievous political nature will know she would be an absolute thorn in the side of the Coalition.
Bertie Ahern (Fianna Fáil, 25/1)
A riddle in an enigma, Ahern is the most qualified candidate — but that's not how these things work. The Áras is a great contest of respectability, and there are too many spooks in the Bertie attic. The time for Bertie to get nervous is if Micheál calls him in and makes him an offer he'd be very wise to refuse — though that is very unlikely.
Tony Holohan (Independent, 33/1)
As Fianna Fáil scrambles for someone more credible than a couple of retired soccer players, could Tony Holohan surprise? With party backing, the odds on 'the people's doctor' could tighten quickly — and more than Fianna Fáil could be interested. A politically attractive name. Tony Holohan. Pic: Sasko Lazarov/RollingNews.ie
Niall Quinn / Packie Bonner (Fianna Fáil, 33/1)
Two sporting wild cards from the Jack Charlton soccer era. It could go very well, but also has the potential to resemble Eamon Coughlan's brief Fine Gael career. It ended in the Seanad.
Michelle O'Neill (Sinn Féin, 40/1)
She's very good at the smiling, emoting and looking regal part of the post. But she would have a lot of work to do to overcome the innate partitionist instincts of the Southern voter — and that's just when it comes to Cork candidates.
Lynn Boylan (Sinn Féin, 50/1)
In the absence of much better, she has come late to the fray. Much has been made of her EU vote, but since topping the poll with 23.6% in 2013, her vote has remained around 10%.
Gerry Adams (Sinn Féin, 50/1)
He has the same chance as Bertie. We'll leave it at that. Gerry Adams. Pic: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
John Finucane (Sinn Féin, 50/1)
With his life story, he could contend — but is expected to prefer to stick with the grown-ups in the Northern head office rather than a 14-year stretch in the prison of the Phoenix Park.
Cynthia Ní Mhurchú (Fianna Fáil, 66/1)
Sparkly and energetic. Elbowed her way through a reasonably impressive field by EU election standards. Unlikely — but not impossible.
A.N. Other (Aontú mystery candidate, 75/1)
There's talk of Aontú stitching together enough votes to nominate a mystery candidate. Some believe it might be Declan Ganley — which would be a case of too little, too opinionated.
Mary Hanafin (Fianna Fáil, 80/1)
Ms Hanafin said it would be 'an insult' if Fianna Fáil didn't run a candidate. It would — but it's more likely the party ends up running her.
Eamon Ryan (Greens, 80/1)
Deserves the chance to hear the public view on initiatives like bicycle carriages in trains where, unlike the standing hoi polloi, bikes can have a rest. Minister Eamon Ryan. Pic: Fran Veale
Mike Ryan (Labour, 80/1)
A well-intentioned UN bureaucrat that nobody knows. Likely to fare as well as his Labour sponsors: that is, around 5%.
Fergus Finlay (Labour, 80/1)
Likely to fare only slightly better than Mr Ryan.
Peter Power (Fianna Fáil, 100/1)
Apparently was a minister back in the day. Already dubbed 'Mr 3%' — in reference to his polling. A nice guy, but we all know where they finish.
Colum Eastwood (Anyone at this stage, 100/1)
The former SDLP leader is still — apparently — in the running.
Fintan O'Toole (Independent, 100/1)
Political credibility vanished after failing to show up for service in the 2011 election.
Conor McGregor (Independent, 250/1)
Someone should tell him that unlike Trump, being President doesn't let you pardon yourself. That might cool his jets. Conor McGregor. Pic: Edward Berthelot/GC Images
Mick Wallace (Independent, 250/1)
A case of 'send in the clowns', but the idea of Mick — and political partner Clare Daly — in the Park is fleetingly tempting, just for the nosebleeds it would cause.
Peter Casey (Independent, 250/1)
Too much competition these days in the dog-whistling market.
Michael Flatley (Who knows?, 250/1)
Says he's been approached by 'people in the know' — but doesn't know himself if he's keen. Jumping from Lord to President might not be that hard though.
Frances Fitzgerald (Fine Gael)
Wily Fine Gael fox read the room and got out swiftly. Mairéad, take note.
Miriam O'Callaghan (Independent)
Would have to run as an Independent, but the running would suit Fianna Fáil, which might take the 'spontaneous' decision to back 'our Miriam'. Still 20/1 despite seemingly ruling herself out. Miriam O'Callaghan. Pic: Gareth Chaney/ Collins Photos
Heather Humphreys (Fine Gael)
A clever campaigner who was an early favourite. Also made a smart early exit. Mairéad, take note again.
Seán Kelly (Fine Gael)
Clever fox spent some time sniffing around before bolting back to the burrow.
Frances Black (Independent)
She's in. She's out. She's in. No one cares anymore.
Joe Duffy (Possibly Labour)
Wisely took another page from Gaybo's book and decided fronting Aldi ads is a better retirement plan. Joe Duffy. Pic: Michael Chester
Máire Geoghegan-Quinn (Fianna Fáil)
Has a life — and intends to keep it. Silence makes it abundantly clear no amount of excitable FF TDs will change that.
Jarlath Burns (Independent)
Decided that being President of the GAA was the better gig.
Barry Andrews (Fianna Fáil)
Exited the race before embarrassing himself further.
Holly Cairns (Social Democrats)
Could have stood on a 'Something different… something nice' ticket, but her party wisely decided to focus on actual politics.