FERGUS FINLAY, a figure who is better known for his behind-the-scenes role in elections could be on his way to Áras an Uachtaráin in two years, if the bookies are to be believed.

The current chief executive of the Barnardos charity and former Labour party chef de cabinet is one of the surprise favourites to become the next president of Ireland with bookmakers Paddy Power.

Finlay, who was one of the key figures behind Mary Robinson's successful presidential campaign in 1990, was genuinely surprised to hear the bookmakers have placed him as the 10/1 third favourite for the role behind Fianna Fáil's Bertie Ahern, at 2/1, and Brian Crowley, at 4/1.

When contacted last week by the Sunday Tribune, Finlay said, "I haven't been approached. I don't know where that has come from. It is very flattering but I wouldn't put my weeks' wages on it."

He joked, "I certainly have not been putting bets on myself", and even asked if the election was due next year or the year after.

Although the election to replace President Mary McAleese is not due to take place until October 2011, there has been some speculation in the media about potential candidates, such as former taoiseach Bertie Ahern.

Fine Gael MEPs Mairead McGuinness and Sean Kelly, and the party's former leaders Alan Dukes and John Bruton, are among the potential candidates that bookies are offering odds on. Paddy Power has also taken bets on Mary O'Rourke, Marian Harkin, Mary Davis, Michael D Higgins and Ivan Yates.

Ken Robertson, spokesman for Paddy Power, said, "Half of the names in our betting for the next Irish president were actually requested by punters. This includes Fergus Finlay who was parachuted into the betting back in February.

"He was installed at odds of 16/1 but we have since cut his chances to 10/1. In total, 42 bets have been placed on Fergus totalling €912 and should he get the nod it would cost us over €10,000."