Ryan Tubridy has been backed to enter the race for the Aras.
A Presidential bid could be on the cards for the RTE star, according to BoyleSports’ odds following his departure from The Late Late Show.
Michael D Higgins appeared as a guest when Tubs finally bowed out last month, but now the prospect of the 49-year-old RTÉ star replacing Higgins in Áras an Uachtaráin when the role changes hands in 2025 have collapsed into just 8/1 from 66/1.
That means Tubridy is now third favourite in the early betting to be elected President in two years’ time, behind Mairead McGuinness (4/1) and Fergus Finlay (7/1), who both unsuccessfully sought nominations in 2011.
READ MORE: Ryan Tubridy tipped for the Aras - as Fianna Fail TD says they'd welcome 'a very talented guy'
Lawrence Lyons, spokesperson for BoyleSports said: “It may be a radical career change, but Ryan Tubridy comes from political stock and some punters have been happy to swallow up massive odds he’ll throw his hat in the ring."
Tubridy has admitted he has received numerous offers since he brought the curtain down on his 14-year reign on the Late Late and likely projects include an autobiography which is a short 6/4 shot, while he is just 7/2 to appear as a guest when the long-running talk show returns with Patrick Kielty in the hot seat.
He has previously ruled out an appearance on Dancing with the Stars, although it’s only a 5/1 shot Tubridy is talked into a tango when the next series hits screens next year.
He is also backed at 25/1 to take over from Daithi O Se as Rose of Tralee host in 2024.
In March, rumours circulated amongst Fianna Fail that the Dubliner could run for President when Michael D Higgins departs the top job.
Limerick TD Willie O’Dea told us at the time: “He’s obviously a very talented guy and Fianna Fail could do with all the talent it could get at the moment so obviously I would welcome him.”
An insider said Tubridy could be setting his sights on the prestigious role when he steps down from the chat show.
They added: “Ryan is a much-loved household name in Ireland and would make a great ambassador for the country that we could be proud of, following in the footsteps of President Michael D Higgins.
"Ryan could have the Barack Obama factor of the Irish presidency.”
The Late Late host shares a close friendship with President Higgins, often hosting the Aras summer garden parties as well as conducting big interviews with the President on The Late Late Show. He even interviewed the President for his final show last month.
The father-of-two has also written a book about President John F Kennedy’s four-day visit to Ireland.
Mr O’Dea said of getting Tubridy on the Fianna Fail ticket: “He has to join the party. There’s a selection procedure but ultimately the TDs and Senators vote him as a nominee.”
READ NEXT:
Mum begs thieves to stay away from grave of son killed by drunk Irish rugby star
Former RTE DJ Nikki Hayes admits money laundering €10,000 through bank account
Get news updates direct to your inbox by signing up to our daily newsletter here
