MICHAEL D HIGGINS STILL BOOKIES FAVOURITE TO BECOME PRESIDENT

Date Published: 11-Aug-2011

Michael D Higgins is still the bookies favourite to become the next president of Ireland.

That’s despite Gay Byrne, who’s still considering whether or not to run, topping the latest opinion poll.

1,000 people were asked who their preferred candidate was in the Red C Poll commissioned by Paddy Power.

Former Late Late Show host Gay Byrne came out on top with 280 people giving him the nod.

His closest rival – and Galway’s only declared presidential hopeful – attracted 210 of the votes.

But while Michael D Higgins might be slightly behind in the popularity stakes, he’s still the bookies favourite to get into the Aras with odds of 6/5.

His strongest support is in the mid to older age groups.

Brian Crowley – who has said he’d like under the Fianna Fail banner – polls in joint third along with Fine Gael’s Gay Mitchell on 13 percent.

Businessman Sean Gallagher is on 12%, Mary Davis on 7% – with Dana Rosemary Scallon – who has also yet to confirm her candidacy – on 6% ..