I think its highly unlikely that Micheál Martin will put his name forward. He still has more than 2 years of his current term as Taoiseach to run and, if he were to lose, it would greatly undermine his position as party leader and Taoiseach. I'm surprised you don't mention the possibility that Fianna Fáil might nominate Bertie Ahern. Of course, conventional wisdom has it that his irregular financial arrangements back in the 90s are an insuperable barrier to his election. My own view is that his role as one of the architects of the Good Friday Agreement will matter much more to people. By late August/early September, the position will be clearer.
Ahern is a possibility, though I have no idea what his energy levels are like at 73. He’s also talked in the past about running as an independent, but I think that was before he rejoined FF in 2023.
I think its highly unlikely that Micheál Martin will put his name forward. He still has more than 2 years of his current term as Taoiseach to run and, if he were to lose, it would greatly undermine his position as party leader and Taoiseach. I'm surprised you don't mention the possibility that Fianna Fáil might nominate Bertie Ahern. Of course, conventional wisdom has it that his irregular financial arrangements back in the 90s are an insuperable barrier to his election. My own view is that his role as one of the architects of the Good Friday Agreement will matter much more to people. By late August/early September, the position will be clearer.
Ahern is a possibility, though I have no idea what his energy levels are like at 73. He’s also talked in the past about running as an independent, but I think that was before he rejoined FF in 2023.