Mary Hanafin
Mary Hanafin is a seasoned Irish politician and former minister, known for her roles in education, social protection, and arts and tourism. A member of the Fianna Fáil party, she served as a TD for Dún Laoghaire from 1997 until her defeat in 2011. Hanafin has held several significant ministerial positions, including minister for education and science, and she briefly served as deputy leader of her party. Following her political career in the Dáil, she was elected to Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and has recently expressed openness to discussing a presidential run with her party.
Not in the pool (under ¢1).
Recent news mentions
Mary Hanafin also sought support for the presidential campaign but was unsuccessful.
Six key moments in the unravelling of Jim Gavin and Fianna Fáil’s presidential campaign – The Irish Times
Ireland· 2025-12-17
Ex-cabinet minister Mary Hanafin was fairly openly canvassing support.
Party told Jim Gavin past disputes would be uncovered – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-12-16
Mary Hanafin was disappointed at not getting into the race for the presidency herself.
‘The election blew up in our face’Ireland· 2025-10-26
Mary Hanafin was in good spirits despite her party's implosion.
Catherine Connolly rises serenely as brutal presidential election has uplifting end – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-10-26
The list included Billy Kelleher, Mary Hanafin and Bertie Ahern of Fianna Fáil.
the candidates, how to vote, the powers of the president, and when will we know the result? – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-10-21
Mary Hanafin is a former minister who has expressed warm and complimentary views about Micheál Martin's skills.
Is this the beginning of the end for Micheál Martin? – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-10-11
Mary Hanafin was also mentioned as a potential presidential candidate but was dismissed by the Fianna Fáil leadership.
How did Fianna Fáil miss the tenant story? Five questions after Jim Gavin’s withdrawal – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-10-06
Mary Hanafin was noted as a former minister interested in the presidential race.
A timeline of Jim Gavin’s short-lived push for the presidency – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-10-06
The list included Billy Kelleher, Mary Hanafin and Bertie Ahern of Fianna Fáil.
A beginner’s guide to the Irish presidential election – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-10-05
Former minister Mary Hanafin criticized Mr Martin’s management of the process.
Jim Gavin has support of almost all Fianna Fáil Cabinet members and growing number of backbenchers – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-09-01Mary Hanafin has said she will not contest the Fianna Fáil nomination for the presidency.
Mary Hanafin says she will not contest Fianna Fáil presidental nomination – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-08-31
Mary Hanafin probably lost her chance of a nomination in 2014.
Interest in Jim Gavin says little for Micheál Martin’s faith in his party colleagues – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-08-31
Mary Hanafin is mentioned as a likely candidate for the nomination.
Billy Kelleher expected to seek Fianna Fáil nomination for presidency – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-08-28Mary Hanafin expressed encouragement from the response she received after declaring her interest in running for the Fianna Fáil nomination.
Growing expectation in Fianna Fáil of Jim Gavin contesting presidential election – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-08-28
Mary Hanafin is among the names previously touted as potential candidates.
Bertie Ahern not among Fianna Fáil favourites for presidential run – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-08-26Martin’s lack of enthusiasm for the proffered candidacies of Mary Hanafin and Eamon Ó Cuiv is noted.
What’s going on with Fianna Fáil’s presidential election plan to pick a nominee? – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-08-25Speculation about potential Fianna Fáil candidates includes ex-ministers Mary Hanafin.
How much does it cost to run for the Áras? – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-08-05
The former minister Mary Hanafin is openly seeking the nomination.
Fianna Fáil decision on presidential candidate a long time coming – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-07-27
Former Fianna Fáil minister Mary Hanafin, who has expressed an interest in running, said it would be 'an insult' to the office of the presidency if her party does not run a candidate.
Michael Flatley intends to make presidential bid, his barrister confirms – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-07-25
Mary Hanafin, who has expressed an interest in running herself, said it would be 'an insult' to the office of the presidency if her party does not run a candidate.
Micheál Martin ‘definitely not’ running for presidency, he says – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-07-23Mary Hanafin is a former Fianna Fáil minister who expressed an interest in running for president.
Party ‘open to meeting’ Tony Holohan and Michael Flatley on nominations – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-07-20
Mary Hanafin has declared that Fianna Fáil should run a candidate in the presidential election.
It will be an ‘insult’ if Fianna Fáil don’t enter presidential race, says Mary Hanafin – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-07-19
Mary Hanafin is mentioned as a potential candidate for the presidency.
The presidency is not a Rose of Tralee contest for over-35s – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-07-18
Mary Hanafin was the minister for education who introduced the Hpat system for studying medicine.
Changes announced to Hpat system for studying medicine – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-07-17Mary Hanafin is a party colleague of Cormac Devlin who is expected to run her campaign.
‘Disco pants’ Niall Quinn could be just the Áras ticket for Fianna Fáil – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-07-12
Former minister Mary Hanafin is also considering seeking Fianna Fáil nominations.
Catherine Connolly says she plans to launch presidential election bid next week – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-07-11
So far, lawyer Nick Delehanty; MMA fighter Conor McGregor, businessman Peter Casey; former junior minister Peter Power; MEP Seán Kelly; MEP Mairéad McGuinness; and former minister Mary Hanafin have indicated they intend to run.
Joe Duffy rules himself out of presidential race – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-07-05
Mary Hanafin is seeking the Fianna Fáil nomination for the presidency.
Fianna Fáil sounds out possible presidential runners, but may not nominate candidate, says Micheál Martin – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-07-03Mary Hanafin was the minister for education who introduced the Hpat to address concerns about entry to medicine.
Colleges to alter entry requirements for medicine amid concern applicants ‘gaming’ aptitude test – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-07-01Mary Hanafin has said she would be open to have a conversation with Fianna Fáil about seeking a nomination to run in the presidential election.
Opposition parties cooling on possibility of joint left candidate for presidential race – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-06-30
