The Next Presidential Election

Dr. Baltar

I was just doing some reading today when it ocurred to me that we'll be electing a new president next year. Now, granted, I know that the role of President is not that important but I was curious as to see who people would think of as a good candidate

Obviously not official but possible/probable candidates are listed here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Next_Irish_presidential_election#Likely_candidates

Personally from reading that list the first thing that struck me was "anything but Dana".

However, as the Job is all about being the "face" of Ireland I would probably vote for Norris as I like his character and attitude.

What about you guys, out of that list who would you vote for and if nobody on the list appeals to you, do you have any other suggestions for a president?


EDIT: Can I get a poll please?

meditraitor

Dr. Baltar wrote: »

I was just doing some reading today when it ocurred to me that we'll be electing a new president next year. Now, granted, I know that the role of President is not that important but I was curious as to see who people would think of as a good candidate

Obviously not official but possible/probable candidates are listed here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Next_Irish_presidential_election#Likely_candidates

Personally from reading that list the first thing that struck me was "anything but Dana".

However, as the Job is all about being the "face" of Ireland I would probably vote for Norris as I like his character and attitude.

What about you guys, out of that list who would you vote for and if nobody on the list appeals to you, do you have any other suggestions for a president?


EDIT: Can I get a poll please?

David Norris is the man for this Job.

Biggins

meditraitor wrote: »

David Norris is the man for this Job.

Hear, hear. 100% agree.

Dana? No frickin' way. One step forwards, ten steps back!

jhegarty

I just hope we get to vote this time.

Sleepy

As much as I dislike some of the politics of his party, I think Michael D. would do a great job.

jhegarty

Sleepy wrote: »

As much as I dislike some of the politics of his party, I think Michael D. would do a great job.

+1

Given the non-political role the President has I think he would be a great candidate.

dvpower

I can see it now.

David Norris and Michael D splitting the left / liberal vote and Dana snatching victory out of nowhere.:eek:

cm2000

Crowley would be in with a good shout. Having been in Europe all these years he will be somewhat insulated from the Fianna Fáil backlash. As well as this, people will be drawn to him for his life story, courage and general positive disposition.

Raiser

Mary White announced her intention to run next year early last year in a bid to be the third Mary in a row to snaffle profiteroles, tote designer handbags abroad and haemorrhage cash.....

- This is worth a look, apparently she ran Lir Chocolates to provide local employment and drives a new Mercedes Benz Automobile reluctantly for its safety features.

Lets try and integrate the Fianna Fail ethos into every facet of our State - Shudder.

View

I wonder will Bertie A go for it? He'd probably still poll strongly, altough I don't know if it would be a "shoe-in" for him anymore.

The_Minister

meditraitor wrote: »

David Norris is the man for this Job.

"Let's put the Queen back in the Aras!"

TobyZiegler

Think either David Norris or Michael D would do a fantastic job.

Both are well respected and likable with strong moral view points and despite being older than our last 2 presidents both are well able to connect with young people.

I would expect David Norris to get some headlines with his strong character and sense of humour.

Agent Smith

I could live with a President Crowley. Nice Guy and Seemingly honnest.


Norris and Higgins, No thanks.

Mairead McGuinness Would also be a great choice

The_Minister

Tbh, Norris lost my vote when he backed Cathal O'Searcaigh.

Bottle_of_Smoke

The_Minister wrote: »

Tbh, Norris lost my vote when he backed Cathal O'Searcaigh.

wasn't pleased about that myself but overall i'd still like to see him as president

leincar

David Norris would get my vote. I would also through in another Mary as an Independent unless a party grabs her.

I would have a lot of respect and time for Mary Davis who was the CEO of Special Olympics Ireland and I believe is now head of the organisation for Europe and Asia.

j1smithy

Norris might run but its a certainty he won't win, he is far too liberal for rural Ireland. I'm guessing one of the campaign promises will be refusing/agreeing to sign legislation that has a social impact (gay marriage, abortion that kind of thing)

Ahern is too damaged to run now, so crowley will probably get the FF nomination.

Alcatel

Norris would be a great man to represent the liberal, forward thinking Ireland of today. By which I mean, the forward thinking, liberal Ireland some of us would like I doubt rural Ireland would vote for him.

A pity really. He's a strong man on topics like human rights, and the President is mainly a face for Ireland, and I think a Joycian scholar who has a sharp wit would make a good face.

banquo

Norris would be excellent. Also, we'd be the first country to have a homosexual president. Take that Obama.

oscarBravo

banquo wrote: »

Norris would be excellent. Also, we'd be the first country to have a homosexual president. Take that Obama.

I was going to point to Iceland, but she's the Prime Minister. You win this round...

imme

Raiser wrote: »

Mary White announced her intention to run next year early last year in a bid to be the third Mary in a row to snaffle profiteroles, tote designer handbags abroad and haemorrhage cash.....

- This is worth a look, apparently she ran Lir Chocolates to provide local employment and drives a new Mercedes Benz Automobile reluctantly for its safety features.

Lets try and integrate the Fianna Fail ethos into every facet of our State - Shudder.

Mary White:D
She said not so long ago that she'd been bullied by one of her party Oireachtas colleagues. Now could someone tell me how you could bully such a person as White.
The mind boggles.

Michael D would be a good pres. Former Supreme Court judge Catherine McGuinness would be good as well.

sarahsulliva

But not Bertie!!! He hasn't even a hope of being nominated! He rode the wave and got us into all this ****!

The_Minister

A letter in the Times suggesting Martin McAleese today.

Tbh, he wouldn't be half bad - heard many good things about him and his work.

sarahsulliva

The_Minister wrote: »

A letter in the Times suggesting Martin McAleese today.

Tbh, he wouldn't be half bad - heard many good things about him and his work.

I don't think so!

sarahsulliva

Michael D maybe, there is an MEP guy from Cork who is supposed to be putting himself forward. Think a relative of his was involved in an car accident there recently. It will be very interesting to see who the candidates will be.

sarahsulliva

Both last Presidents have come from Legal backgrounds, so that seems to be the trend...

imme

sarahsulliva wrote: »

there is an MEP guy from Cork who is supposed to be putting himself forward. Think a relative of his was involved in an car accident there recently. It will be very interesting to see who the candidates will be.

Brian Crowley is a Fianna Fáil MEP, he's 45, seems to have been around for 30-years. He was a Taoiseach's nominee to the Seanad by Albert. He said he'd see his mandate to the European Parliament through, during the euro elections last year. Politicians have been known to go back on their word.:rolleyes:
He is unmarried;)

Laminations

I'd be happy with David Norris or Michael D. but I cant help thinking of the uncle from Whitnail and I when I see/hear Norris. I'd think I'd be quite happy with Shame Ross. He's a very honest man and very outspoken on corruption

sceptre

j1smithy wrote: »

Norris might run but its a certainty he won't win, he is far too liberal for rural Ireland. I'm guessing one of the campaign promises will be refusing/agreeing to sign legislation that has a social impact (gay marriage, abortion that kind of thing)

The president doesn't get the option not to sign stuff. It's one of the things Dana plainly didn't get during the Late Late Show presidential debate back in 1997. Mind you Gay Byrne didn't appear to get that either as he asked the question.

Het-Field

In a recent interview Mary Hanifin openly invited Fiona O Malley to return and join FF. This was quite strange as O Malley is Dl/Rathdown, and with roughly 4,000 votes in her backpocket, she could pick up Hanifin's surplus, and would offer FF a slight hope of sneaking the "long gone" second seat.

The reason this interested me is due to the clear detriment that this would have on Hanifin's chance at a seat there. The last thing that she needs is a split vote between the second FF and the ex PD candidate.

Unless O Malley isparachuted into Dublin Mid West, I believe Hanifin would see O Malley as a potential successor, after she vacates the Dail in 2011. I believe she seeks Presidency. Her stock fell under BIFFO, and no reshuffle will benefit her. Fourteen years in the Park will take her up to 2025, and the age of 65. She doesnt have a family to take care of, (naturally one would greatly sympathise with her on the death of her husband), and will have plenty of time to travel the country to meet the people. She is presentable, she is female (which can be very useful), and her demotion has prevented her from taking up too much slack for sitting at the cabinet table between the worst years of excess (2004-2007). I think she would be a reasonably stong candidate.

Aard

I'd vote for David Norris.

994

banquo wrote: »

Norris would be excellent. Also, we'd be the first country to have a homosexual president. Take that Obama.

What about Dev?

Alcatel wrote: »

Norris would be a great man to represent the liberal, forward thinking Ireland of today. By which I mean, the forward thinking, liberal Ireland some of us would like I doubt rural Ireland would vote for him.

A pity really. He's a strong man on topics like human rights, and the President is mainly a face for Ireland, and I think a Joycian scholar who has a sharp wit would make a good face.

Rural Ireland's not quite so backward as you'd think, after all they have the same TV we do and thus absorb the same values.

ynotdu

sceptre wrote: »

The president doesn't get the option not to sign stuff. It's one of the things Dana plainly didn't get during the Late Late Show presidential debate back in 1997. Mind you Gay Byrne didn't appear to get that either as he asked the question.

Are You sure of that sceptre?
Much as i like President McAleese i feel she did not call the 'Council of State' together anyway near often enough{A thundering disgrace,ya might say!;)} or refer anywhere like enough bills back before she signed them!

Bertie Ahearn would have been a shoe in,IMO,but for the obvious reasons has not got a snowballs chance in hell EVER now.

David Norris to me would be a bit intolerable{don't anybody accuse Me of the obvious reason a bigot might say that!}He has a fine mind and is a man of culture and i don't doubt his intellect,but he gush's so much on his radio show(s) to his guests,i think he likes to be liked TOO much.

Michael D would i think be just right for the job{ok they might have to find out which Tree He is hugging when an important bill has to be signed:)}but he has a sense of the realities,and the Spiritual sides of life!(i have yet to meet a person that does not like him)

Mr McAleese is definatly worthy of consideration and as people know even spokesmen for the DUP,UUP and even the UDA have said how helpful He was in the peace process,He would hardly be our first Protestant President either!

To me there is no exceptional female candidate this time round,except may'be Marion Finucane who in general seems to be a head of sense and has a sense of 'The big picture'

Anyways by the time the Election comes around a 'dark horse' may well have emerged!
Would it surprise us?:)

ynotdu

994 wrote: »

What about Dev?



Rural Ireland's not quite so backward as you'd think, after all they have the same TV we do and thus absorb the same values.

Oh and by the way 994 if you read the Biographies of Collins there are MANY veiled suggestions that he had Bi-sexual instincts!:pac::p:)

j1smithy

sceptre wrote: »

The president doesn't get the option not to sign stuff. It's one of the things Dana plainly didn't get during the Late Late Show presidential debate back in 1997. Mind you Gay Byrne didn't appear to get that either as he asked the question.

In theory they don't have a choice, but they could step down - force a constitutional crisis, if a bill was presented to the that they didn't like.

nesf

Brian Crowley would get my vote. One of the FF TDs/MEPs that I have genuine respect and time for.

I could live with Micheal D too, again one of the few Labour TDs I'd have respect and time for.

ynotdu

j1smithy wrote: »

In theory they don't have a choice, but they could step down - force a constitutional crisis, if a bill was presented to the that they didn't like.

That is almost Exactly what happened under the Cosgrave led Govt in the 70's.the then president sent the special powers act to the Supreme court,a Govt minister called the Presidents action "A thundering disgrace"
The president stood down.

The_Minister

ynotdu wrote: »

Much as i like President McAleese i feel she did not call the 'Council of State' together anyway near often enough{A thundering disgrace,ya might say!;)} or refer anywhere like enough bills back before she signed them!

AFAIK, McAleese and Robinson have sent more bills to the Supreme Court then any other Presidents.

As for whether they can refuse to sign.

Article 13 wrote:

3. 1° Every Bill passed or deemed to have been passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas shall require the signature of the President for its enactment into law.

2° The President shall promulgate every law made by the Oireachtas.

FlutterinBantam

Davy Norris is the man for the job.

Michael D. Higgins.... jaysus are ye all mad!!:eek:

Jim236

Word on the street is Mr. Tayto is to announce his candidacy at the next C&C AGM.

Red_Marauder

We do not need a President. She is totally despensible. The leadership of a country should be meaningful and effective, not a mere formaility.

Personally, I don't like the idea of what amounts to a "Queen of the Ballot Box" election every seven years that is given far more attention than it deserves.

irish_bob

norris cant keep his mouth shut and is too egocentric for the role

trapsagenius

Can't be Norris-didn't he want us to rejoin the commonwealth ffs??Predictably, I'm going to say I'd love if Bertie got the job.

Liam Byrne

trapsagenius wrote: »

Predictably, I'm going to say I'd love if Bertie got the job.

I could just laugh this off and pray that you're in a minority, but I'll offer the courtesy and ask why you think that someone under investigation for his finances who has written blank cheques, given jobs to incompetent friends and run the country into the ground is a suitable candidate ?

He'd make wanting to rejoin the Commonwealth an appealing alternative.

anymore

Brian Crowley will win .. full stop.
I wouldnt vote for him in the last GE and wont vote for him as President.. but he will win.

anymore

anymore wrote: »

Brian Crowley will win .. full stop.
I wouldnt vote for him in the last GE and wont vote for him as President.. but he will win.

Actually, if the only choice was between Crowley and O Higgins, I might vote for Crowley !

trapsagenius

Liam Byrne wrote: »

I could just laugh this off and pray that you're in a minority, but I'll offer the courtesy and ask why you think that someone under investigation for his finances who has written blank cheques, given jobs to incompetent friends and run the country into the ground is a suitable candidate ?

He'd make wanting to rejoin the Commonwealth an appealing alternative.

ffs man, must you try and turn every thread into a Bertie Ahern bashing one?

deadhead13

Of our 8 past and present Presidents, 5 have been nominated by FF and 2 by all-party nomination.

Iwasfrozen

Aard wrote: »

I'd vote for David Norris.

He's got my vote.

Liam Byrne

trapsagenius wrote: »

ffs man, must you try and turn every thread into a Bertie Ahern bashing one?

I'm not the one who suggested that he'd be a worthy candidate, so you can direct that question elsewhere.

And for the record it's not "bashing"; it's stating facts.

Raiser

Red_Marauder wrote: »

We do not need a President. She is totally despensible. The leadership of a country should be meaningful and effective, not a mere formaility.

Personally, I don't like the idea of what amounts to a "Queen of the Ballot Box" election every seven years that is given far more attention than it deserves.

But who is going to open up her Aras and bend over backwards to show the Chinese her Muffin?