Micheál Martin’s odds of becoming next president slashed

A BOOKMAKER has cut the odds on Tánaiste Micheál Martin becoming the next president of Ireland as speculation continues to swirl about the Fianna Fáil leader planning an Áras bid next year.

BoyleSports has now cut the odds on the Tánaiste from 7/1 to to 4/1 joint favourite to succeed Michael D Higgins.

The role will change hands next year when Mr Higgins’ second term comes to an end.

Asked for comment about the speculation, a spokesperson for the Tánaiste told The Echo that Mr Martin is “entirely focused on leading Fianna Fáil into the next general election and seeing out the full term of this government”.

Meanwhile, when asked by reporters on Monday about the rumour, former Finance Minister Michael McGrath, the Tánaiste’s party and ward colleague, said that he hadn’t heard the rumour.

“Micheál Martin is a fantastic leader of our party, he will certainly lead us into the general election, and who knows what will happen after that, but he is a very popular party leader.

“He has decades of experience in public service, and I think at a time where there’s such uncertainty globally, we need that kind of experience at the helm of government.

“I’ve no doubt that he will run a very successful campaign with all of my colleagues in the general election, and it’s a matter for him down the line to make whatever personal decision he wishes to make.

“His sole focus now is on governing for the remainder of this term, then leading Fianna Fáil into the next general election,” he said.

BoyleSports said that odds on former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and outgoing EU Commissioner Mairead McGuinness are also 4/1.