Upcoming Presidential Election Set for October 24th in Ireland

The presidential election in Ireland is scheduled for October 24, 2024, as announced by the Minister for Housing, James Browne, during a briefing to government leaders. This date awaits final approval from the Coalition, which is expected to confirm it at a meeting on Wednesday.

To be eligible for nomination, candidates must be Irish citizens aged 35 or older and receive nominations from at least 20 members of the Oireachtas or four local authorities. Former or retiring presidents can also self-nominate. Voters must be Irish citizens, aged 18 or over, and ordinarily resident in Ireland. Special arrangements exist for Irish officials on duty abroad and their spouses, allowing them to register on the postal voters list. Citizens can verify their registration status at checktheregister.ie.

Nominations for candidates will open on September 5 and close on September 24. Candidate posters may be displayed starting on September 24 or from the date the presidential election order is signed, whichever occurs first, and must be removed within seven days post-election.

Heather Humphreys has emerged as the Fine Gael candidate for this year’s election. Her nomination will be ratified at a Fine Gael event on September 13, coinciding with the launch of her campaign. Humphreys secured broad support from Fine Gael TDs, Senators, and MEPs following the withdrawal of MEP Mairead McGuinness from the race due to health concerns.

On the left, Independent TD Catherine Connolly has received backing from the Social Democrats, Labour Party, and People Before Profit. Connolly is noted for her strong positions on issues such as Irish neutrality, the conflict in Gaza, and women’s rights, having performed notably in the Dáil since her election in 2016 for Galway West.

In Fianna Fáil, Gavin is vying for the presidential nomination, with a vote among the party’s 71 members scheduled for next Tuesday. He currently enjoys support from over 20 party members, including party leader Micheál Martin. His opponent, MEP Billy Kelleher, has received public endorsements from only three party colleagues.

Sinn Féin’s housing spokesman, Eoin Ó Broin, indicated the party is weighing its options and will make an announcement on September 20. The party has not disclosed whether it will nominate its own candidate or support Connolly.

Further interest in the presidential race has surfaced with several potential candidates. Business figures such as Gareth Sheridan and Nick Delehanty, former meteorologist Joanna Donnelly, and barrister Maria Steen have expressed interest but lack the necessary backing for nominations. Earlier this summer, barrister representation for Michael Flatley confirmed his intention to run, though further updates have been scarce. Additionally, reports have emerged regarding musician Bob Geldof being considered as a candidate, though it is understood that Taoiseach Martin informed him he could not nominate him in favor of Gavin.

As the election date approaches, discussions and decisions among political parties will shape the final candidate lineup. With the potential for additional candidates to enter the race, the coming weeks will be critical for those looking to secure nominations in this pivotal election.