Odds shorten on Mayo TD for Áras bid

The chances of Mayo TD Rose Conway-Walsh contesting the race for the Presidency have been given a boost after her name entered the bookmakers’ lists this week.

The Sinn Féin representative, who hails from Belmullet, is now rated a 16/1 shot to succeed Michael D. Higgins, making her the sixth most likely candidate according to the latest online odds.

Just last week, Conway-Walsh did not feature in the betting at all.

Her inclusion signals growing support for the Erris-based deputy, who could become Mayo’s second ever President if successful.

Alongside party leader Mary Lou McDonald, she is being tipped as one of Sinn Féin’s frontrunners, though the party has yet to officially declare its hand.

Conway-Walsh is currently ranked ahead of several high-profile figures, including Fianna Fáil MEP Billy Kelleher, Sinn Féin’s Michelle O’Neill and GAA President Jarlath Burns.

Meanwhile, Catherine Connolly the only declared candidate so far has queried the length of time it is taking Sinn Féin to make their decision on whether or not it will back her campaign.

Connolly has slipped in the betting as of late with Heather Humphreys leapfrogging her while former Dublin GAA manager Jim Gavin has overtaken Bertie Ahern as the likeliest Fianna Fáil candidate to enter the fray.