Former meteorologist aims to join Humphreys in October presidential poll

Joanna Donnelly in the RTÉ news studio, she is wearing a pink shirt and has blonde hair. She is looking to the right. — Image caption,
Joanna Donnelly said that she had written to all local authorities on Monday night to express her interest

2 September 2025

Former Met Éireann meteorologist Joanna Donnelly has confirmed that she is seeking a nomination to contest the upcoming Irish presidential election.

Earlier on Tuesday it was announced that Heather Humphreys is to contest the election for Fine Gael.

It comes as Irish broadcaster RTÉ reported polling day will be Friday 24 October.

The Minister for Local Government, James Browne, is expected to sign the presidential order to outline both the closing date for nominations and polling day, on Wednesday after an Irish cabinet meeting.

Heather Humphreys walks outside Leinster House. She is an older woman with short, blonde hair and she is smiling as she walks. She is wearing a puffed black coat and a thin scarf. — Image caption,
Heather Humphreys, pictured in 2019, will contest the presidential election on behalf of Fine Gael

Those seeking to be on the ballot need the backing of either 20 members of the Oireachtas (Irish parliament) or four of the 31 local authorities.

Confirming Humphreys' candidacy on Tuesday, Fine Gael said the decision will be ratified on 13 September.

'Unity and community'

Tánaiste (Irish deputy Prime Minister) and party leader Simon Harris praised the former Cavan-Monaghan TD as having "all of the attributes to make an extraordinary President".

"Heather is a woman of integrity, dignity, and heart," he posted on Instagram, external.

"I believe Heather can break down barriers and bring people together. Her record in public life has demonstrated that vision of unity and community."

The exterior of a polling station in Dublin. There is a large yellow sign ziptied to the black iron fence outside the building. A young woman with long, brunette hair, a pink, grey, yellow and white cardigan and dark wash blue jeans is walking through the front gate. — Image caption,
The election is due to be held on the Friday of the October bank holiday in the Republic of ireland

Humphreys' confirmation comes after the party's original candidate, former EU commissioner Mairead McGuinness, withdrew over health reasons last month.

On Monday, former Gaelic Athletics Association (GAA) president Séan Kelly announced he was suspending his bid to seek the Fine Gael candidacy due to a lack of support.

"While I am of the view that a contest would be good and healthy for the party and was looking forward to one, unfortunately, after nearly two weeks of engagement, it is clear to me now that I will not be able to gather the required 20 nominations from the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party to contest the selection process," he said.

He added he would be backing Humphreys and pledged his support to help her in the election.

Humphreys, former Cavan-Monaghan TD and Fine Gael's deputy leader from April to October 2024, has strong links with Northern Ireland and has talked about her unionist connections in the past.

Her grandfather, Robert James Stewart, signed the Ulster Covenant in 1912 in protest at the Home Rule bill which sought to set up a parliament in Dublin.

Announcing her run in August, she said she intended to "deepen relations between the people of this island north and south".

'I just threw the net wide'

Speaking on RTÉ's Drivetime, Joanna Donnelly said that she had written to all local authorities on Monday night to express her interest.

"I sent in emails to the chairs of the county councils, literally all of them, because I have no reason to believe that anybody would actually take this seriously," the former meteorologist said.

"So I just threw the net wide and said I'll see what happens."

Ms Donnelly also confirmed that she had not been approached by any political party to contest the election.

She said that she decided to put her name forward after being encouraged by friends to do so.

Ms Donnelly, who left Met Éireann unexpectedly in April, said that she was putting herself in a "vulnerable" position by putting her name forward for consideration, but outlined why she felt she would be a suitable candidate for the presidency.

What is the role of the Irish president and who is running?

The president of Ireland acts as the head of state.

It is a largely ceremonial role, representing Ireland at public events at the national and international level.

Only citizens residing in the Republic have the right to vote in presidential elections.

To run for the office, you have to be an Irish citizen and aged over 35.

An exterior shot of Áras an Uachtaráin. It shows a two-storey white building, resembling the White House in the USA. There is a flag pole with the Irish tricolour on it at full mast. Surrounding the building are large trees, bushes and a large patch of grass. — Image caption,
Áras an Uachtaráin in Phoenix Park in Dublin is the official residence and workplace of the Irish president

Apart from Humphreys, the only other confirmed candidate is Independent TD Catherine Connolly, after her bid was backed by several left-leaning parties and a number of independents.

Fianna Fáil are also set to put forward a candidate for the first time since Mary McAleese was elected in 1997, with Taoiseach (Irish PM) Micheál Martin backing former Dublin gaelic football manager Jim Gavin over the weekend.

Sinn Féin has not confirmed whether it will run a candidate or back someone else, but speaking to the BBC in August, Mary Lou McDonald said her party would make an announcement this month.