Presidential Election Update: Candidates Step Forward

Here, we have a look at the issues likely to dominate political discourse in the week to come.

Hanafin and Kelly declare presidential intentions

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. Ms Hanafin, 66, feels sitting out the 2025 presidential election is not an option. She said, '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.' Ms Hanafin has had a number of disputes with Taoiseach Micheál Martin in the past. 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.

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.

Speaking to reporters in Brussels, Mr Kelly said he is considering running but has not yet made up his mind. Sinn Féin has not selected a candidate yet, but Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill has not ruled out a bid. Former SDLP leader Colum Eastwood was also linked with a presidential bid. He told the BBC that people had asked him to consider a presidential bid.

Presidential voting rights

Keeping the presidential theme, Sinn Féin are set to table a motion in the Dáil on Tuesday that seeks to extend voting rights to people in the North.

Government at risk of normalizing rising homelessness - Eoin Ó Broin

Sinn Féin housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin says the Government are at risk of normalizing rising numbers of homelessness. Mr Ó Broin made the comments as it was confirmed that homeless figures have once again risen to record levels, with 15,747 people now in emergency accommodation.

AI literacy

Artificial intelligence (AI) learning should go beyond the basics of AI literacy to equip students for the future, according to an Irish expert. Dr Gearóid Ó Súilleabháin is head of the Department of Technology Enhanced Learning at Munster Technological University (MTU). In an interview with BreakingNews.ie, Dr Ó Súilleabháin said AI learning should go beyond the basics to help students get a more complete understanding.

Abroad

The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran is still ongoing. Political attention in the US has since turned to president Donald Trump's domestic policy bill as it is debated at the Senate. In the UK, prime minister Keir Starmer has rowed back on a plan that would have seen large cuts to disability payments.

According to the source: BreakingNews.ie.