Inquiries for Tony Holohan regarding potential presidential bid, with focus on his roles in Covid-19 management, CervicalCheck controversy, and Trinity job.
Professor Tony Holohan Steps Out of Presidential Race
Professor Tony Holohan, the chief medical officer who became the public face of Ireland's efforts to address the Covid pandemic, has officially decided not to run in the 2025 presidential election. Holohan cited concerns about the risk of personal abuse and the potential negative impact on his family, including unacceptable social media attacks experienced by his family during the COVID-19 pandemic and after his wife's death.
Holohan's decision removes a notable potential candidate with significant public support from the presidential race. According to polls, he had around 15% support before ruling himself out.
During the pandemic, Holohan was thrown into the limelight, leading the State's efforts to tackle the virus. His efforts were public and he was described as the one leading the charge. The poll results, which suggested that Holohan would have 15% support if he were to run against Mairead McGuinness, Catherine Connolly, and Mary Lou McDonald, were described as "encouraging" by Holohan.
With Holohan's withdrawal, the field of potential candidates now focuses on individuals such as Heather Humphreys, Seán Kelly, Catherine Connolly, and Gareth Sheridan, among others. Mairead McGuinness, a former MEP and seen as a frontrunner, withdrew from the race on health grounds. Fine Gael has reopened nominations for their candidate following McGuinness's withdrawal, with MEP Seán Kelly and former minister Heather Humphreys as the main potential candidates; Humphreys is reportedly assembling a campaign team with backing from several independent junior ministers. Independent TD Catherine Connolly and businessman Gareth Sheridan have already launched presidential bids. Frances Fitzgerald has declined to seek the Fine Gael nomination.
Holohan, a public servant, was associated with the efforts to address the Covid pandemic. His decision not to run for the highest public office, specifically the position of president, comes as he prioritizes his family's wellbeing and his duties as a father.
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