Mary Hanafin to seek Fianna Fáil nomination for presidential election

James Cox

Former minister Mary Hanafin is to seek the Fianna Fáil nomination to contest the presidential election.

The Tipperary native and former Dun Laoighaire TD has told the Irish Independent she is "in the mix".

Ms Hanafin said: "“If I could contest it, I would happily do that. It’s a role I would hope people could feel I would do well, both nationally and internationally."

Fianna Fáil hasn't put forward a candidate for the election since 1997.

The party decided to sit out the 2011 presidential election after a disastrous showing at the general election earlier that year, while in 2018 Fianna Fáil opted not to challenge President Michael D Higgins.

Ms Hanafin, 66, feels sitting out the 2025 presidential election is not an option.

“I think it would be an insult to the office of president if the largest political party doesn’t contest it. It’s a really important constitutional role,” she said.

“I think the nomination should be decided earlier rather than later. I know it can make it a very long campaign, but for a candidate to campaign well I think you could go around the country and actually talk to people."

Ms Hanafin has had a number of disputes with Taoiseach Micheál Martin in the past. In 2011, she lost out to Mr Martin in the Fianna Fáil leadership contest, and in 2014 she ignored his request not to stand in the local elections in Blackrock.

However, she said they are now on good terms.

Ms Hanafin served as education minister, arts minister and social protection minister during her time in government.

She is the first big name in Fianna Fáil to make her intention to seek the nomination clear. Former taoiseach Bertie Ahern, former minister Éamon Ó Cuív and MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú have all been linked with a bid.

Big names have been slow to emerge ahead of the election, but many are likely to set out their stall in the weeks to come given the election must take place by Tuesday, November 11th.

MEP Seán Kelly and former MEP Mairead McGuinness are likely to compete for the Fine Gael nomination.

Sinn Féin has not selected a candidate yet, but Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill has not ruled out a bid.