Tánaiste Micheál Martin has emerged as a potential presidential candidate, with bookies’ odds suggesting he’s more likely to end up in Áras an Uachtaráin than Bertie Ahern.
According to Boyle Sports, the Fianna Fáil leader is 8/1 to succeed Michael D Higgins, making him third favourite for the post behind Mairead McGuinness, currently a European Commissioner, and Fergus Finlay, who previously sought the Labour Party nomination to contest the 2011 presidential election.
Mrs McGuinness, who unsuccessfully sought the Fine Gael nomination 13 years ago. is the bookie’s 5/1 favourite to top the poll in the 2025 election, while Mr Finlay is 7/1.
Mr Martin recently refused to rule himself out of a run for the presidency.
The Fianna Fáil leader stated his desire to lead his party into the Republic’s next general election and to serve another term as taoiseach.
It has been widely speculated that he would assume a senior role with the European Commission when he stepped down from frontline Irish politics.
When asked by reporters at a pre-Christmas interview if he would consider a run at the Áras, the tánaiste said: “I am very focused on what I am doing now as leader of Fianna Fáil and preparing… we have local elections, European elections, we have the mayoral election in Limerick, and we have a referendum in the first half of 2024.
“It’s going to be electorally and politically very, very active. I was asked earlier about what people are concerned about.”
Boyle Sports spokesperson Lawrence Lyons said: “It is expected to be a big year on the political front and a general election could change the picture significantly, so we’re taking no chances on the tánaiste turning to the Áras.”
Former taoiseach Bertie Ahern is in the running for the Áras at 11/1 with Boyle Sports, while speculation that Conor McGregor could throw his hat in the ring is beginning to dissipate.
The outspoken Dubliner has announced plans to return to the UFC Octagon this year, prompting his odds to lengthen from 14/1 to 25/1.
The odds on RTÉ presenter Miriam O’Callaghan succeeding President Higgins are 12/1, while Sinn Féin North Belfast MP John Finucane is 14/1.
Boyle Sports has Ryan Tubridy as an outside bet, alongside Gerry Adams and Joe Brolly, all at 66/1.