Micheál Martin's odds of becoming next President of Ireland go down

Micheál Martin is being backed to launch a bid to become the next President of Ireland, with BoyleSports cutting the odds on the Tánaiste succeeding Michael D Higgins from 12/1 to 8/1.

The next election is scheduled for November 2025 when Higgins’ second term comes to an end, and Martin is now the subject of increasing speculation.

Martin insists he is focused on leading his party into the next general election, but odds of 10/11 suggest Ireland could be heading to the polls this year and Fianna Fáil are currently 7/1 shots to return with most seats, while Sinn Féin have surged ahead as 1/10 favourites.

Martin is now third favourite in the early betting for Áras an Uachtaráin behind Mairead McGuinness (5/1), who unsuccessfully sought the Fine Gael nomination back in 2011, and former Chief Executive of Barnardos Fergus Finlay (7/1).

Finlay sought a nomination for the position in 2011 but chose not to put his name forward in 2018 once he realised that President Michael D Higgins was seeking nomination for a second term.

Speculation that Conor McGregor could throw his hat in the ring is starting to die down, as he announces plans to return to the UFC Octagon this year.

Also appearing on the list are fellow former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern (11/1), RTÉ’s Miriam O’Callaghn (12/1), Sinn Fein’s John Finucane (14/1) and entrepreneur Peter Casey (33/1), who unsuccessfully ran in 2018.

Meanwhile, Ryan Tubridy, Gerry Adams and Joe Brolly bring up the rear of the list at 66/1.

Lawrence Lyons, spokesperson for BoyleSports 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.”