Presidential Election 2025: Here’s what to know about the candidates
With only days to go before the vote in this year's Presidential Election we asked both candidates where they stand on the issues that will define this race.
This Friday, October 24, the country will head to the polls for the 2025 Presidential Election and over the coming days, many of us will be taking time to consider who we want to see as Ireland’s next president.
In what has been a tumultuous campaign – from Conor McGregor’s brief bid for nomination to the eventual withdrawal of Fianna Fáil candidate Jim Gavin – only two contenders now remain: Heather Humphreys and Catherine Connolly.
What began as a crowded and unpredictable field has narrowed to a decisive choice between a government-backed minister and an independent voice.
As the countdown to polling day begins, both candidates are making their final appeals to voters, outlining their visions for the presidency and the kind of leadership they believe Ireland needs in the years ahead. From social issues to global affairs, the contest has evolved into a conversation about what the presidency represents and how it can reflect the values and priorities of modern Ireland.
Throughout the campaign, debates have touched on everything from housing and healthcare to Ireland’s neutrality, climate action and our place in a changing world. With two contrasting styles and political backgrounds, Humphreys and Connolly offer voters a clear choice: continuity or change, establishment experience or independent conviction.
To help you see how the two candidates differ, we asked both candidates where they stand on the issues that will define this presidential race.
Catherine Connolly, Independent
Housing
The housing emergency is the defining crisis of our time. Decent housing has become a privilege when it should be a human right. I repeatedly called for a referendum to insert that right into our Constitution, and I continue to make that call.
Homelessness
We have long since reached the point of unacceptability in homelessness figures. If I am lucky enough to be elected as the next President, I will speak up for our people’s rights to a home and for our core values of fairness, compassion and support.
Childcare
I support a public model of childcare, with space for smaller community providers, fair pay and stable funding. As President, I will keep affordability and access in focus, convening parents, providers and experts.
Healthcare
I believe in universal, single-tier healthcare: care based on need, not the ability to pay. As President, I will spotlight equity, accountability and timely delivery across the health service.
Immigration
The Irish have migrated all over the world and contribute to the societies they join, as migrants do. Ireland has a robust immigration system, but quotas are a blunt instrument that ignore our international legal obligations on free movement and provision of refuge. Migration has always existed, and we are the better for it.
Environment
We are facing an alarming climate crisis. As President, I would work to spotlight community projects, press for delivery on EU obligations, and elevate environmental protection in national decision-making.
Ukraine
Russia is conducting an illegal invasion of Ukraine – it must immediately end its horrific assault in accordance with international law and an immediate ceasefire.
Irish neutrality, refuelling in Shannon, and the triple lock
I believe in neutrality as an active, living tradition of peace-making, bridge-building and compassionate diplomacy. Ireland has a proud tradition of neutrality. The triple-lock is core to our neutrality. It is one of Ireland’s greatest strengths, and I will defend it and the triple lock with determination. We should not abandon this, and we must end the misuse of Irish airspace to transport weapons of war to Israel.
Why we should vote for you
The Presidency has the moral authority to speak to the values that underpin our society. As President, I will continue to give voice to those being left behind – to insist that fairness, compassion and economic justice are placed at the heart of every national decision.
Heather Humphreys, Fine Gael
Housing
Housing is the biggest challenge facing the country today. I have two grown up daughters myself with their own families and understand how tough it can be to buy a home. We have come from a very difficult place, coming out of the recession and strides have been made with massive investment and building beginning to accelerate, but more needs to be done.
Childcare
I worked myself when my children were small and needed to be looked after. It was not easy then either, but parents should not be in position that they cannot return to work because they cannot find affordable and quality childcare. During my time as Minister I prioritised working families and achieved a lot to support them, including providing children with a hot meal in the middle of the school day.
Healthcare
The improvements in healthcare in the last 50 years have been transformational to people’s quality of life in Ireland. In the Áras I will advocate for continued expansion and improvement of the healthcare service across the country. Every person irrespective of geography, gender or income should be able to access the healthcare they need. I will always advocate for the women of Ireland to make sure that they are listened to and treated with respect and compassion.
Immigration
As President I want to bring people together from differing perspectives to have open conversations. A major focus of immigration needs to be inclusion and integration from which we can all benefit.
Homelessness
Homelessness is a very distressing issue, particularly when young children are involved. We are not alone in this, many other countries in Europe are experiencing the same challenges. I have never been afraid to speak up in any of the roles I’ve held throughout my career. I will always look at how we can do more and do better to ensure every person in our society is valued and encouraged and that must start with a secure home.
Environment
I was born, raised and lived all my life on a farm and as a result, I have a deep love of nature and appreciation of our environment. I think people in farming and people living in our cities are all acutely aware of our responsibilities around climate action and biodiversity, and they want to see those fulfilled, but sometimes feel it’s over-whelming. I’m encouraged by the will that exists among the Irish people and believe strong community involvement will be at the heart of our approach to climate action and I would like to generate more local involvement and ownership of renewable projects.
Ukraine
Ukraine is fighting for its own freedom and for the freedom of all Europeans. Other countries also stand in the shadow of aggression and intimidation as Russia seeks to bully and encroach. Europe has a moral compass and Ireland plays its part in making sure it points the right way and that includes standing up for Ukraine and for all our rights and freedoms.
Irish neutrality, refuelling in Shannon and the Triple Lock
Ireland’s neutrality is fundamental and I absolutely support it. I am extremely proud of the Defence Forces and the role they have played in international peace-keeping missions around the world since 1958. I want to see that continue. I do not believe major world powers like China and Russia should have a veto on where we can send our peacekeepers.
Why vote for me?
I love this country and I believe in its people – in our communities, our shared strength, and the opportunity that exists in every corner of this island. These three values of community, unity and opportunity have shaped me as a person and if elected I would take them to the role of President. All my life I have brought people together. Given my unique background, a proud Irish republican and a border county Presbyterian, I believed I am best placed to reach out to all communities and to facilitate the important conversations needed to build on the peace we have on this island. I am putting myself before the people as a centre ground, common sense, pro-European candidate. The Presidency is above party politics and I am asking you to place your trust in me on Friday, October 24.
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