Donnelly Forecasts a Run for the Áras

Joanna Donnelly, the former Met Éireann meteorologist and long-time RTÉ weather presenter, has written to all 31 local authorities in Ireland seeking support for a nomination in the forthcoming presidential election.

Ms Donnelly said today that she made the decision after encouragement from friends and colleagues.

She left RTÉ earlier this year after almost three decades on air. Speaking last month, she described her years as a forecaster as a “dream career” and recalled the emotion she felt when first offered the role. Although she enjoyed both forecasting and broadcasting, she said there were other pressures that influenced her choice to step away.

Her final bulletin was delivered on the Nine O’Clock News in April, when she signed off with the words, “That is my last forecast … goodnight and goodbye.”

Ms Donnelly graduated from Dublin City University with a degree in applied mathematics and joined Met Éireann in 1995. She became a qualified meteorologist in 2000 and began presenting on RTÉ Radio 1 two years later. In 2015 she moved to television, quickly becoming one of the most recognisable figures in Irish broadcasting.

Outside of meteorology she is an author, a charity co-founder and a past contestant on Dancing with the Stars Ireland.

Race for the Áras: Who is in the Running

The field of contenders for the 2025 Irish presidential election is beginning to take shape, with a mix of established politicians, independents and high-profile personalities seeking to secure a place on the ballot.

Catherine Connolly, Independent TD for Galway West and former Leas-Cheann Comhairle, became the first candidate to confirm her place in the race in July after securing the support of more than 20 Oireachtas members. On Tuesday Heather Humphreys was officially confirmed as the Fine Gael nominee, giving the Government party an experienced Cabinet minister at the centre of its campaign.

Within Fianna Fáil, competition for the nomination remains open. Former Dublin football manager Jim Gavin has strong backing from senior party figures, while MEP Billy Kelleher has also put his name forward. A decision is expected in the coming weeks.

Among independents, businessman Peter Casey, who finished second in the 2018 contest, has declared his intention to run again, while entrepreneur Gareth Sheridan is seeking local authority support. Former UFC fighter Conor McGregor has announced his ambitions, claiming he has secured backing, although questions remain about whether he can meet the nomination threshold. Riverdance creator Michael Flatley has also signalled plans to enter the race.

The election, due on October 24th, is already shaping up as one of the most colourful contests in recent memory, combining seasoned political figures with celebrity candidates hoping to test the national mood.