Presidential election: 79% of adults will vote, research finds

James Cox

The majority (79 per cent) of adults in Ireland are likely to vote in the upcoming presidential election, according to research from iReach Insights.

Despite some claiming the three-horse race for Áras an Uachtaráin provides an underwhelming choice, the majority of adults will still vote.

Heather Humphreys (Fine Gael), Jim Gavin (Fianna Fáil) and Independent candidate Catherine Connolly are all in the running to succeed President Michael D Higgins.

The vote has been confirmed for Friday, October 24th.

Seventy-eight per cent of adults feel the next president should have political experience, the research found.

When asked what are the most important quality the next president should have:

• 28 per cent of adults say it’s a connection with ordinary people.
• 20 per cent say it’s experience in politics.
•  20 per cent say it’s a defender of Irish culture and heritage.
• 15 per cent say it’s fresh outsider perspective.

Highest at 28 per cent, Gen Z adults think fresh outside perspective is the most important quality the next president should have.

Over half (55 per cent) of adults feel connected to the presidency with 14 per cent of these feeling very connected.

More than one in four adults (28 per cent) believe that younger voters will have a bigger influence in this election compared to the past ones.

Forty-five per cent of adults aged 25-34 believe that younger voters will have a bigger influence in this election.

Thirty per cent of adults feel the presidency should focus more on building unity at home in Ireland and 24 per cent think they should focus more on representing Ireland abroad.

Despite much speculation about additional candidates, there will be just three vying for the presidency.

Sinn Féin decided to join other left wing parties in backing Catherine Connolly rather than putting their own candidate forward.

Maria Steen and Gareth Sheridan were the most likely alternative independent candidates.

Mr Sheridan received the backing of two local authorities, but the businessman failed to receive the quota of four.

Ms Steen went through the Oireachtas route and fell two short, as she received the backing of 18 TDs or senators but ultimately missed out on the required 20 nominations.