Comedian Tommy Tiernan has been at the center of speculation regarding a potential run for the Irish presidency in 2025. While Tiernan has remained tight-lipped about his intentions, there are rumors circulating that he is seriously considering throwing his hat in the ring. The current President, Michael D. Higgins, is said to be encouraging Tiernan to run, further fueling the speculation.
Meetings between Tiernan and Higgins have reportedly taken place over the summer to discuss the possibility of Tiernan contesting the election with Higgins’ support. Journalist Matt Cooper and political commentator Ivan Yates recently discussed the topic on their podcast, Path to Power, where they both expressed their belief that Tiernan could be a strong candidate if he decides to run.
Yates, a former bookie, even joked about placing a bet on Tiernan with Paddy Power, indicating his confidence in the comedian’s potential success. Cooper mentioned the strong rumors of Higgins endorsing Tiernan as a candidate, highlighting Higgins’ admiration for Tiernan’s intellect and deep thinking on various issues.
Tiernan’s diverse background as a successful comedian, actor, and talk show host has garnered him widespread popularity and support. Yates noted that Tiernan’s relatable past, including a period on the dole, could resonate with voters. Additionally, his ability to provide entertainment while addressing important national issues from the Phoenix Park was seen as a valuable asset.
Drawing comparisons to Volodymyr Zelensky, the stand-up comedian turned President of Ukraine, Yates suggested that Tiernan could potentially follow a similar path in Ireland. Cooper acknowledged that Tiernan’s past controversial jokes about the Catholic Church and comments about Travellers could come under scrutiny during a presidential campaign. However, he also pointed out that Tiernan’s willingness to address sensitive topics might actually work in his favor, considering the support received by controversial candidates in previous elections.
The success of Tiernan’s talk show in transforming public perception of him was highlighted by both podcast hosts. Cooper mentioned that discussions have taken place regarding Tiernan’s potential candidacy for the presidency, with the possibility of major political parties standing aside to support his run. The financial implications of running a candidate were also considered, with Yates suggesting that Tiernan could receive support from various quarters.
The question of whether Higgins endorsing Tiernan as his successor would sit well with the Irish electorate was raised by Cooper. However, Yates expressed confidence in Tiernan’s chances, with or without Higgins’ backing. When contacted for a comment on the speculation, Tiernan’s spokeswoman declined to provide any information.
Overall, the buzz surrounding Tommy Tiernan’s potential presidential bid in 2025 has sparked interest and debate among the public and political commentators. With his unique background, broad appeal, and willingness to tackle difficult subjects, Tiernan could be a formidable candidate in the upcoming election. As the speculation continues to grow, all eyes will be on Tiernan to see if he ultimately decides to enter the race for the Irish presidency.