Independent Senator McCarthy Weighs Possible Run for Irish Presidency

Independent Senator Aubrey McCarthy has said he would “seriously consider” running for President of Ireland, but raised concerns about what he described as an undemocratic nomination process.
McCarthy, who founded the homeless charity Tiglin, noted that while he is not widely known nationally, his two decades of advocacy work have helped families across the country. He confirmed that several politicians had approached him to consider entering the race but said the system makes it extremely difficult for independent candidates to secure a place on the ballot.
To qualify, candidates need the support of 20 Oireachtas members or backing from four local councils. McCarthy argued that party instructions to councillors to only support their own candidates effectively close the door on independents. “For a democracy, it does not sound very democratic,” he said.
While acknowledging he would need broad political support to launch a viable campaign, McCarthy stressed that independents must be part of the contest to ensure a fair and balanced presidential race. Without such backing, he warned, the process risks being dominated entirely by party machines.