Former EU Commissioner Mairead McGuinness has emerged as the clear frontrunner in the race for the Áras, according to the latest Sunday Independent/Ireland Thinks poll.
When voters were asked to choose from nine potential right-leaning candidates, McGuinness came out on top with 27% support—well ahead of the rest. And when the field was narrowed to just five candidates from both left and right, her support rose even further to 34%. Senator Michael McDowell was the closest contender, trailing behind at 20%.
Meanwhile, there appears to be little public appetite for a presidential bid from MMA star Conor McGregor. An overwhelming 90% of those surveyed said they would not vote for him if he were to run for office. Just 7% said they would support him, with the remaining 3% unsure.
The poll also found that McGregor’s entry into the race could be politically damaging for others—69% of respondents said they’d be less likely to vote for their local TD or councillor if they supported his nomination.
To secure a place on the ballot, a presidential hopeful needs the backing of 20 Oireachtas members or endorsements from four local authorities. However, 86% of people polled believe McGregor should not be nominated by TDs, Senators, or councils.
