IVAN'S TALE OF THE TAPE

PUNDIT IVAN YATES knows a thing or two about predicting elections.

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The former Fine Gael agriculture minister turned broadcaster was also a bookie.

So the outspoken Wexford man is well-placed to know the form in the upcoming presidential election. The race to succeed Michael D Higgins in the Aras is gathering pace, with Independent Catherine Connolly launching a presidential bid, and Fine Gael nominating former MEP Mairead McGuinness.

Yates said one thing is for sure - it will be a dogfight. Despite - or perhaps because of - the fact the presidency is a symbolic role, it's an election that always gets rough and tough.

He added: "The nature of these campaigns is beyond forensically brutal, beyond bootcamp, it's actually a punishment beating. It's open f**king season on your life. It'll get dirty. Filthy dirty. It's great entertainment - the nation will love it." Here, Yates - who hosts the Path To Power political podcast with Matt Cooper goes through the runners and riders, and gives his odds on their chance of success.

MAIREAD MCGUINNESS, 9/4

IF you look at Paddy Power or BOYLE Sports, Mairead McGuinness is even money favourite with one and a little bit shorter, around 6/4, with the other. She's a hot favourite, currently.

I think it's a ridiculous price. Yes, in the context of the race consisting of her and Catherine Connolly.

But the fact Fine Gael are saying: 'This is our pony in the race' now is going to cause a reaction by September in competitors.

The idea she is a slam dunk shoo-in is nonsense. It looks that way now, as the field is incomplete.

But there's several weeks of time for the opposition to dig, dig, dig on a former commissioner.