Who is Maria Steen? Barrister and Architect on Track for Presidential Election

September 12, 2025 – Barrister and architect Maria Steen is emerging as the possible fourth candidate in the upcoming Irish Presidential Election. Her name could soon appear on the ballot after she secured the support of ten Oireachtas members.

Ireland will elect a new President later this year as Michael D. Higgins completes his second term. Candidates already in the race include Independent TD Catherine Connolly, Fine Gael’s Heather Humphreys, and Jim Gavin, who is backed by Fianna Fáil.

Maria Steen’s Path to the Ballot

On Thursday evening, it was revealed that Maria Steen had gained enough backing to bring her halfway to securing a ballot spot. Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín helped organize her meetings with TDs and senators.

So far, eight members — Tóibín, Mattie McGrath, Joe McGrath, Paul Lawless, Ronan Mullins, Carol Nolan, Sharon Keogan, and Sarah O’Reilly — have publicly declared support. Two more lawmakers have privately pledged, but they want to consult their teams before going public.

If confirmed, Steen will face a competitive race alongside other confirmed candidates. Meanwhile, MMA fighter Conor McGregor has also claimed he has enough support, though nothing has been officially announced.

Family Life

Maria Steen has been married to senior counsel Neil Steen since 2006. Together they are raising five children, whose ages range from 3 to 18.

After becoming a mother, she stepped back from legal practice to homeschool her children. Steen is also a qualified Montessori teacher.

Since 2012, she has contributed opinion pieces to publications like The Irish Times and The Irish Catholic.

Political Views

Maria Steen is the niece of former senator Joan Freeman, who ran for President in 2018. She is also a member of the Iona Institute, a conservative think tank.

She has been active in social debates in Ireland. Steen campaigned against the referenda on same-sex marriage and abortion, often appearing in televised debates.

In 2024, she opposed the Family and Care referenda as part of the group Lawyers for No, warning about the possible impact of constitutional changes. When both referenda were defeated, she described the outcome as a “victory for common sense.”

Presidential Bid

On her official website, Steen describes herself as a “voice for families” and a supporter of “the common good.”

She said: “I am asking for your vote to serve as President of Ireland: to act as guardian of the Constitution, to uphold the dignity of the office, and to remind our Nation of the values on which it was founded.”

Her campaign emphasizes family rights, the protection of children, and the importance of Irish culture and traditions.

While the President does not make laws, Steen believes the role should safeguard the Constitution, represent Ireland internationally, and reflect the spirit of Irish identity.

If her candidacy is confirmed, Steen will challenge Connolly, Humphreys, and Gavin. Sinn Féin has not yet announced whether they will run their own candidate or support an Independent.

Who is Maria Steen Husband?