The deadline to register for Ireland’s upcoming presidential election or correct existing details on the electoral roll is tomorrow, Tuesday, October 7.
Authorities are urging all citizens to ensure their names appear on the electoral roll before the deadline. This is particularly important for those who have recently been granted Irish citizenship, as tomorrow represents the last opportunity to register.
Applications can be submitted online through local authority websites or platforms such as checktheregister.ie, requiring a PPSN and date of birth. Alternatively, paper application forms can be downloaded, completed and posted to local authorities, though they must be received by tomorrow’s deadline.
The election to choose Ireland’s 10th president will be held on October 24, 2025. Current President Michael D. Higgins cannot stand for re-election as his term has concluded.
Three candidates officially registered for the race, though one has since withdrawn. The remaining contenders are:
Catherine Connolly – An independent TD representing Galway West, running with support from Sinn Féin, Labour and the Social Democrats. She is known for her left-wing stance and criticism of neoliberal economic policies.
Heather Humphreys – The Fine Gael candidate and deputy leader of the party, with extensive cabinet experience. Her campaign emphasizes her connection to rural Ireland and border communities.
Jim Gavin – The Fianna Fáil candidate and former Dublin Gaelic football manager withdrew from the race on October 5 following controversy over a financial dispute with a former tenant. His name will remain on the ballot as he completed the formal nomination process.
With Gavin’s withdrawal, the election has become a contest between the government candidate Humphreys and opposition-backed Connolly. Any votes cast for Gavin will be transferred under Ireland’s proportional representation system.