Irish Presidential Election Betting Odds: Can Higgins be Beaten?

77-year-old Michael Higgins took the office in 2011 and sought only one, seven-year term.

According to online sportsbook news in Ireland, the presidential election 2018 mean the incumbent president will face a challenger or several challengers for just the second time since 1966. The popularity of the current President Mr. Higgins makes many people view the upcoming election as a one-horse race, but there are number of names who could capture the public’s imagination and potentially unseat Mr. Higgins.

Nomination period remains open with a long list of senators including Joan Freeman, artist Kevin Sharkey, journalist Gemma O’Doherty, businessmen Gavin Duffy and Sean Gallagher and many more have indicated interest to compete for the ceremonial role of Ireland’s head of state. In addition, Sinn Fein Party is preparing its own candidate. However, it is unlikely that any more than one or two will make it to the ballot. Who are the potential contenders? And what is the ranking from most to least likely to win the election?  

The Incumbent Michael Higgins

77-year-old Michael Higgins took the office in 2011 and sought only one seven-year term. Yet recently he changed his mind and decided to run for the second term. He is widely seen as a shoo-in, perhaps because his tenure as president is regarded as successful, and therefore many see him as unbeatable. He is supported by the leading government party Fine Gael, the main opposition party Fianna Fail and the Irish Labor Party. At 1xbet Sportsbook, Irish presidential election betting odds stand at 1.2 for Higgins to win the second term.  

Businessman Gavin Duffy

UK TV series Dragons’ Den star Gavin Duffy is seeking a nomination to run in the presidential election. He needs to be nominated by four county councils or 20 TDs or senators. Being a regular speaker at conferences, he hopes to secure the nomination and enter the race with odds at 9. But he might face protests because of his support for foxhunting.

Sean Gallagher

Gallagher did announce his final intentions yet, but it is very likely that he will be able to secure the support of four local authorities.

Former presidential candidate Sean Gallagher who lost out to Higgins in the 2011 election has written to all councils in Ireland, and he is expected to enter the race. He did not announce his final intentions yet, but it is very likely that he will be able to secure the support of four local authorities. Yet since councils can only nominate one candidate it is unclear whether Sean Gallagher will be their man for the presidency bid. Sean Gallagher’s odds value at 10, according to 1xbet Sportsbook.

Other Contenders at Irish Presidential Election Betting Odds

The list of names goes on and on. Joan Freeman, the founder of mental health charity Pieta House, independent politician and former senator seeks to secure nomination, with odds at 13. Journalist Gemma O’Doherty (51) has announced her intention to run for presidency. The artist Kevin Sharkey (67) confirmed he wants to run for president as well, raising many topics such as borders, immigration, and homelessness to convince senators he deserves the nomination. It remains to be seen who will be the final contenders in the Irish presidential election 2018, keeping in mind that Higgins is quiet simply the man that every challenger will seek to beat.