Presidential candidates are not easy to find

I’ve been taking note of the number of people who have ruled themselves out as contenders for the role of Uachtaráin when the present incumbent, the great Michael D, steps down for a well-earned rest later in the year. 

Michael D offered himself for one term of seven years, then decided, quite unselfishly, that he would make himself available for a second term and, having settled into the role, enhanced his reputation and Ireland’s reputation as a neutral nation with a consistent demand for fair play and equity around the world. He did, of course, earn the opprobrium of Jews who branded him anti-Semitic because of his clearly expressed views in opposition to the Israeli genocide in Gaza. He also very clearly called out injustice in other countries where he saw the people being oppressed by the rulers elected to give freedom and dignity to them.

At the present time, it is not open to Michael D to run for a third term but, in the US, where a third term is also ruled out by their Constitution, Donald Trump has not ruled out the possibility. Constitutions are working documents. They can be changed. In Trump’s case, nothing can be ruled out. However Michael D is a decent man, a man of principle, and will step aside.

So, we come to the state of play here. Quite a number of people have been approached, mainly by members of the media, to state their position on the post of Uachtaráin na hÉireann. Leave aside the fact that the meeja have no input whatsoever in who might be a candidate for the Áras, it has been interesting to note the celebrities and influencers being questioned as to their future intentions. 

Everyone who has been involved in Strictly Come Dancing, as a contestant, as an adjudicator or a presenter qualifies to be asked would they consider running for the Park. Anyone who has a bit of a profile on television is clearly a potential contender. Joe Duffy’s retirement from Liveline can be seen as a very propitious move. Obviously he must be a contender. The Uachtaráin of the GAA, Mr Jarlath Burns has a public profile and while he ruled himself out when quizzed on Morning Ireland (the draw for the Tailteann Cup being the significant occasion!) the other day, that means nothing. The man who solved Mayo GAA‘s financial problems overnight must be in the reckoning, though iar-Uachtaráin Seán Kelly might not agree.

I find it surprising that there are so few who would show willing. The job is not a bad one, especially as it comes with free lodgings… not to be sneezed at in this era of outrageous homelessness. The reluctance of people from the political arena to commit is somewhat staggering. Bertie Ahern, the architect of the Good Friday Agreement, hasn’t said yes, but, quite teasingly, has not said no. His entry into the field would be interesting. It would split Fianna Fáil into a thousand fragments presenting, as it would, Micheál Martin with an insoluble problem. How to support a man who might have an agile political mind but has no bank account. Is there any past Fianna Fáil stalwart prepared to put up his/her hand?

My good friend, Enda Kenny, who brought this country from bankruptcy to the position it now finds itself in and who was shafted by his party for his troubles, would make a fine candidate, but why would he bother? Life is good away from politics, doing excellent work in raising awareness about cancer. That caring but tough woman (ask Matt Carthy!) Heather Humphries would also make a fine candidate but has ruled herself out. Might she rule herself in? Hardly likely. Nobody has bothered to ask Michael Ring about his intentions. He is at a bit of a loose end at the moment, retirement may well not be the panacea he thought. There are very few better vote gatherers. Then there is Mairéad McGuinness and Frances Fitzgerald, who would be acceptable candidates but hardly match winners.

You see, the problem is that while there was a time when election to the Áras was the preserve of Fiannal Fáil, with Fine Gael as runners-up, that day is long gone. Independent Catherine Connolly would be a viable option if she could get the country’s Independents to back her, but Independents are just that, independent. She would be able to build an influential group of concerned citizens of independent thought to support a campaign, but she might be happy where she is, causing discomfort for any hypocritical Ministers in the Dáil.

Other serious heavyweights like Michael McDowell, Fergus Finlay and Fintan O’Toole have been mentioned but they are fairly realistic people and can read the tea leaves. After Michael D, it is likely that males will be handicapped in this presidential election. Charlestown’s Mike Ryan (WHO) and former Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan, who saved Ireland and the world from the pandemic, would be fine candidates, but eaten bread is soon forgotten and there’s a growing number of people in this country who seem to think they may have overstepped themselves and imposed unnecessary sanctions on the people. Hindsight is a great thing!

Sinn Féin are currently leading a combined opposition and making serious headlines, tripping up the Government at every twist and turn. Mary Lou could put forward a credible candidate in Gerry Adams, now that the High Court has found that he is entitled to his reputation and that anyone who thinks Gerry was on the IRA Army Council in days gone by would need to dig up better proof than adduced by the BBC. Combined Opposition or not, Mary Lou, and more importantly Gerry Adams, realises that when push comes to shove she can’t rely on Labour, the Soc Dems and People-Before Profit, not to mention Aontú and the varied Independents who won’t be whipped into line.

So, it seems to me, the country is at a bit of a crossroads with the public rejecting all the mainstream political parties. You would have to ask what does that say about the state of democracy in the country. We have Senator Frances Black and, of course, the pugilist foot and mouth man Conor McGregor. They have not exactly said they are available but they have not ruled out the possibility either.

Senator Black has earned quite a few kudos with her Occupied Territories Bill forcing the Government to address the contemptable issue of continuing trade with the pariah Israel, while McGregor has the support of that beautiful and powerful Trump person across the water. Whether that is an advantage or not remains to be seen. 

Both will have the problem of getting a nomination. Senator Black is far more likely to succeed. McGregor does not seem to know that he requires a nomination. He is not yet tuned in to the machinations of the powers-that-be who have placed a few obstacles in the way of potential candidates and of course there is the question of whether a man found guilty by a jury in a civil action of sexual assault would attract sufficient votes. McGregor has indicated that he will appeal the case but even then there is the question of whether the Far Right is sufficiently committed to unite behind a single candidate. The case could be overturned. You never know what the courts might do. Ask the BBC.

As you can see from the foregoing, finding a presidential candidate is not going to be easy. I am available myself and I say that unequivocally. No ifs or buts. I would not claim to be a natural successor to Michael D but, like him, I could lay claim to being a poet and a supporter of the arts. I am also in favour of fair play for all people and while I understand that the President is above politics that would not stop a President from calling a spade a spade. Furthermore, and I make this pledge now, once I’m elected I will forego the presidential allowance. I have the Old Age Pension and with free accommodation in the Áras, that should be sufficient to keep me going. I also have (thanks to Charlie!) free travel, so I would be able to come home every free weekend.

Obviously I’d have to go to the Aviva and Croke Park when duty called but those are sacrifices I would be prepared to make.

Thought for the Day 

Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom - Aristotle