Barrister Maria Steen Enters Ireland's Presidential Race

Maria Steen, a barrister with a background in architecture, is running to become the next President of Ireland in the election on October 24, as Michael Higgins steps down after two seven-year terms. Steen, who is not well-known outside of Ireland, aims to take on the largely ceremonial but high-profile role of the country's head of state. She is known for her involvement in three recent Irish referendums, advocating for the 'No' side in the 2015 same-sex marriage referendum and the 2018 abortion referendum. In 2024, she debated then-Tánaiste Micheál Martin and won as citizens rejected the amendments by a margin of 67-69% to 32-31%. Steen is closely associated with the Iona Institute, a think tank founded in 2006 by Catholic journalist David Quinn. She is both criticized as fundamentalist and praised for representing a silent majority with Catholic values. Steen is the niece of former Irish senator Joan Freeman and attorney Theresa Lowe, and is married to Neil Steen, a senior legal figure. She homeschools her five children. At the launch of the 2025 All Ireland Rosary Rally, a speaker emphasized the importance of the rosary, and Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín stated that Independent candidate Maria Steen offers the electorate a significant choice. Tóibín criticized Fine Gael for excluding candidates from the presidential ballot and called on non-aligned TDs to nominate Ms. Steen. Currently, Steen has the support of ten Oireachtas members, with eight having signed nomination papers. To run for president, a candidate needs support from 20 Oireachtas members or four local authorities. Local authorities will meet in the coming weeks to decide on supporting independent candidates.