Sun Sep 14 03:20:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:
**Can a Traditional Catholic Win Ireland’s Presidency? Maria Steen Launches Bid**
**Dublin, Ireland** – Barrister Maria Steen, a prominent voice in Ireland’s recent social and moral debates, is seeking the country’s highest office, raising the question: Can a candidate openly upholding Catholic teachings on issues like abortion, same-sex marriage, and assisted suicide be elected President in a increasingly secular Ireland?
Steen, known for her articulate and poised performances in televised referendum debates against same-sex marriage, abortion, and changes to the definition of family, officially announced that she was considering a presidential run in August. She intends to run as a non-party candidate. She will be contending for the successor to President Michael Higgins, who is stepping down after serving two terms. She is closely associated with the Iona Institute, a Catholic think tank, Steen hopes to tap into a perceived disillusionment with the political establishment.
Her entry into the race is not without significant hurdles. Unlike candidates typically backed by major parties like Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, Steen must secure the nomination of either 20 members of the Oireachtas (Irish Parliament) or four local councils. Current frontrunners include former Gaelic football coach Jim Gavin and Fine Gael politician Heather Humphreys. Former UFC Champion Conor McGregor is in the running as well.
Despite the challenges, Steen’s candidacy has garnered attention. Even secular voices, such as journalist Fintan O’Toole, have argued that the election needs a strong conservative Catholic voice, acknowledging her valuable role in past referendums.
Steen faces a tight deadline of September 24th to secure the necessary nominations. Her success or failure will be widely viewed as a key indicator of the role of traditional Catholicism in contemporary Irish society and politics.
First Piper 