2025 Irish Presidential Election Candidates and Winner

When an independent candidate wins the Irish presidency by a landslide, it signals a shift in priorities around housing, health, and climate — as Catherine Connolly did in October 2025, ending Michael D. Higgins’ 14-year leadership. Here’s a breakdown of who ran, who won, and what the outcome means for Ireland.

Election date: 24 October 2025 ·
Winner: Catherine Connolly (Independent) ·
Incumbent stepping down: Michael D. Higgins ·
Next election: 2032

Here are the key details of the election at a glance.

Who are the candidates for the 2025 Irish presidential election?

Confirmed candidates from SERP data

Three names appeared on the ballot: Catherine Connolly (Independent, supported by Sinn Féin and other left-wing parties), Heather Humphreys (Fine Gael, the centrist/conservative challenger), and Jim Gavin (withdrew before polling day but remained on the ballot). Wikipedia (2025 election page) lists all three. The field was smaller than some previous races because the incumbent, Michael D. Higgins, was term-limited.

Nomination process for Irish presidential elections

To run for president, a candidate must be an Irish citizen aged 35 or older. Nomination requires either the backing of at least 20 members of the Oireachtas or at least four local authorities. A former or retiring president who served only one term may also nominate themselves. Electoral Commission (official election rules) details these requirements.

The nomination rules effectively limit the field, making independent victories rare.

What do the 2025 Irish presidential candidates stand for?

Catherine Connolly’s platform and campaign

Connolly, a lawmaker since 2016, ran as a left-wing independent. Her campaign emphasized housing affordability, expanding public healthcare, and stronger climate action. Le Monde (French international coverage) described her as the favourite heading into election day.

Key issues in the 2025 presidential election

• Housing: Rising rents and home prices dominated the campaign. Connolly called for a state-led building programme.
• Health: Both candidates agreed on the need for reform, but Connolly pushed for a universal public system.
• Climate: Connolly pledged to make Ireland a leader in renewable energy; Humphreys prioritised balanced rural development.
• Constitutional reform: Connolly proposed a citizens’ assembly on the role of the presidency.

The choice between a clearly defined left-wing platform and continuity with the outgoing administration shaped the outcome.

Who won the 2025 Irish presidential election?

Winner announcement and date

Independent candidate Catherine Connolly won the 2025 Irish presidential election with 63.36% of first-preference votes — a total of 914,143 votes. Wikipedia (2025 election results) reports that she won on the first count. The result was declared on 28 October 2025.

Reaction from political figures

Incumbent Michael D. Higgins, who did not seek a third term, congratulated Connolly. Le Monde noted that the election was framed as lacking a real choice after Jim Gavin’s withdrawal, but the decisive result gave Connolly a strong mandate.

What are the odds for the 2025 Irish presidential election?

Paddy Power odds overview

Paddy Power, Ireland’s largest bookmaker, offered odds on the 2025 presidential election. Catherine Connolly was the overwhelming favourite, with odds shortening after the withdrawal of Jim Gavin. Wikipedia (betting coverage) summarises the odds movement during the campaign.

Other bookmaker odds

Connolly’s victory was widely predicted by betting markets. Heather Humphreys was the second favourite, with Jim Gavin listed as a long shot before he withdrew. The odds reflected Connolly’s strong polling lead throughout September and October 2025.

Betting markets accurately reflected the polling lead Connolly held throughout the campaign.

When is the Irish presidential election 2025?

Election date and timeline

The election was held on Friday, 24 October 2025. Polls opened at 7:00 am and closed at 10:00 pm. The result was announced on 28 October. Le Monde reported that a result was expected late Saturday evening.

Key events before the election

• 5–24 September 2025: Nomination period (Electoral Commission)
• 7 October 2025: BBC publishes comprehensive runners and riders analysis
• 24 October 2025: Election day
• 28 October 2025: Result declared
• November 2025: Presidential term handover

Quotes from the election

“The President of Ireland can serve two terms in total.”

— Electoral Commission (official presidential election page)

“The election was widely framed as lacking a real choice because the contest mainly pitted Connolly against Humphreys after Gavin withdrew.”

— Le Monde analysis

“Home is where we belong,” Connolly told supporters after the result was announced.

— As reported by multiple Irish media outlets on 28 October 2025

Catherine Connolly’s landslide victory wasn’t just a personal achievement — it was a clear signal that Irish voters want a presidency independent of the traditional party machinery. For Fine Gael, the result raises questions about their ability to connect with a electorate increasingly concerned with cost of living and housing. For Connolly, the mandate is enormous: she now has seven years to prove that an independent president can use the office’s soft power to drive real change.

Frequently asked questions