Editing Mary Robinson (section)

=== Candidates from other parties ===
Robinson ran against two other candidates: [[Austin Currie]], for Fine Gael, and [[Brian Lenihan Snr|Brian Lenihan]] for Fianna Fáil. Currie was widely seen as Fine Gael's last choice as a candidate, nominated only when no one else was available. Fianna Fáil's candidate, then [[Tánaiste]] and [[Minister for Defence (Ireland)|Minister for Defence]] Brian Lenihan had become popular during his three decades in politics. Like Robinson, he had delivered liberal policy reform.

At the beginning of the campaign, Lenihan was seen as the favourite to win the presidency. As the campaign proceeded, however, it became apparent that Robinson was a serious contender. Crucial to her appeal was the deep unpopularity of the Taoiseach, Charles Haughey, and the rising popularity of Dick Spring.

Robinson obtained the backing of the [[Workers' Party (Ireland)|Workers' Party]] which was strong in [[Dublin]] and [[Cork (city)|Cork]] and was considered crucial to getting working-class votes.

A transfer pact was agreed upon between Fine Gael and Labour, as both parties were normally preferred partners for each other in general elections.