Martin McAleese for President?

Ald

Apart from Michael D. Higgins I wouldn't vote for any of the other candidates. I was very impressed by M. McAleese over the time of his wife's terms as President. I wonder if he would consider going himself? Do you think he'd be suitable and would it be good for the McAleeses to stay on at the áras?

xxtattyberxx

Didnt this happen in Argentina before where the spouse basically took over the presidency? I dont know the ins and outs of it but as far as I know it worked well for them.
Personally Michael D will be getting mine, he got me on my feet when I turned to him and he sorted out my sons Special needs assistant and all his doctors when I was at a low point. This was over 3 yrs ago, he was recently canvassing before the elections, happened to knock on my door, not only did he recognise me, but knew my name and my sons, to me that was amazing

jakdelad

Ald wrote: »

Apart from Michael D. Higgins I wouldn't vote for any of the other candidates. I was very impressed by M. McAleese over the time of his wife's terms as President. I wonder if he would consider going himself? Do you think he'd be suitable and would it be good for the McAleeses to stay on at the áras?

perhaps the mcaleese s should get squatters rights to the aras

let the people decide its been 14 years
enough rigging

RonMexico

No - it just looks like more dynasty crap. He has had his time in the park.

sceptre

xxtattyberxx wrote: »

Didnt this happen in Argentina before where the spouse basically took over the presidency? I dont know the ins and outs of it but as far as I know it worked well for them.

Assuming you're remembering Juan Perón's third wife Isabel taking over as president when he died in 1974, it certainly didn't work out well. Massive budget deficits, riots, strikes, scary inflation, mysterious disappearances (not that this was unusual for a Perón presidency) and it ended in a military coup in 1976 and a seven-year military dictatorship.

Not the best example:)

jakdelad

sceptre wrote: »

Assuming you're remembering Juan Perón's third wife Isabel taking over as president when he died in 1974, it certainly didn't work out well. Massive budget deficits, riots, strikes, scary inflation, mysterious disappearances (not that this was unusual for a Perón presidency) and it ended in a military coup in 1976 and a seven-year military dictatorship.

Not the best example:)

who would notice?/
we have all the above except the coup, but we have our fingers crossed

Irish Fire

He won't he's going to the Seanad

later12

I don't even know what he sounds like, I've never seen him doing, or saying anything important in the Republic although I know he's done some fantastic work in Northern Ireland.

Maybe he should run for political office in Northern Ireland.

bazkennedy

He was behind the Your Country Your call wasn't he?

The reason you rarely hear him speak is due to protocol forbidding him from speaking at a function that his wife is attending. He was on the late late last year.

KINGVictor

Ald wrote: »

Apart from Michael D. Higgins I wouldn't vote for any of the other candidates. I was very impressed by M. McAleese over the time of his wife's terms as President. I wonder if he would consider going himself? Do you think he'd be suitable and would it be good for the McAleeses to stay on at the áras?

Admittedly, he has displayed a high level of decorum and level-headedness over the years but a husband taking over his wife's job sounds (and looks) a bit out of place to be honest.

Ireland is not deviod of talents for that to happen.

While personally he might be a good candidate, I am pretty sure there are lots of other men/women that are equally...maybe even more capable.

BlaasForRafa

sceptre wrote: »

Assuming you're remembering Juan Perón's third wife Isabel taking over as president when he died in 1974, it certainly didn't work out well. Massive budget deficits, riots, strikes, scary inflation, mysterious disappearances (not that this was unusual for a Perón presidency) and it ended in a military coup in 1976 and a seven-year military dictatorship.

Not the best example:)

Dunno if xxtattyberxx is that old to remember that! I'd say he's probably thinking of Nestor and Christina Kirchner

meemeep

actually that's a great idea:)

later12

bazkennedy wrote: »

He was behind the Your Country Your call wasn't he?

The reason you rarely hear him speak is due to protocol forbidding him from speaking at a function that his wife is attending. He was on the late late last year.

I guess people perceive different degrees of importance... I dont want to knock Dr McAleese for that initiative, but I wouldnt rate its significance particularly strongly.

xxtattyberxx

Dunno if xxtattyberxx is that old to remember that! I'd say he's probably thinking of Nestor and Christina Kirchner

Bit Of colum A bit of Colum B was thinking of

Juan Perón's third wife Isabel taking over as president when he died in 1974, it certainly didn't work out well

but SHE as in moi is def to young to remember it, goes to show why I didnt carry History into my leaving.

But I started looking at Nestor and Kirchner and well so far what Ive read seems it worked for them

Lapin

Irish Fire wrote: »

He won't he's going to the Seanad

That doesn't rule him out from seeking a nomination for the presidency, should he wish to do so.

Senator Norris was re elected to the Seanad while his interests for the park were well known.

That said, I seriously doubt Mr. McAleese would consider the office.

Despite his popularity, it would always look like some people were hoping to re elect his wife by proxy.

It would also have the appearance of creating a presidential dynasty.

Were Mr. McAleese to be elected, his children would be old enough to run for the office at the next election. There would be a strong argument for saying any of them are best suited for the presidency then, given the fact that they have grown up in the surroundings of the office.

The McAleese family have done this country proud over the last 14 years. But its now time to move on and give way to new blood.

I do believe the choice of Martin McAleese for the Seanad was an excellent one.

Coillte_Bhoy

jakdelad wrote: »

perhaps the mcaleese s should get squatters rights to the aras

let the people decide its been 14 years
enough rigging

But they will decide

anymore

Ald wrote: »

Apart from Michael D. Higgins I wouldn't vote for any of the other candidates. I was very impressed by M. McAleese over the time of his wife's terms as President. I wonder if he would consider going himself? Do you think he'd be suitable and would it be good for the McAleeses to stay on at the áras?

Just how many public sector salaries and pensions should any one family have ?

jakdelad

Coillte_Bhoy wrote: »

But they will decide

well had the irish people had the chance to vote seven years ago
i am pretty sure the people could make a decision

so the dentist is heading for the senate
the ould cronyism sh1te is still around

Knight990

jakdelad wrote: »

well had the irish people had the chance to vote seven years ago
i am pretty sure the people could make a decision

There were no other candidates running seven years ago Pointless to have a vote then, what would it be? "Do you want Mary McAleese, or...no President". :rolleyes:

later12

Knight990 wrote: »

Pointless to have a vote then, what would it be? "Do you want Mary McAleese, or...no President". :rolleyes:

If only.

I would actually have loved to have had the opportunity to cast a vote for abolition in such an election.

Knight990

later10 wrote: »

If only.

I would actually have loved to have had the opportunity to cast a vote for abolition in such an election.

Entirely different debate, methinks. Although, it would be an interesting one to have. I just get a bit irked at these naysayers who claim that they election was "rigged", etc.

Killer Pigeon

Ald wrote: »

Apart from Michael D. Higgins I wouldn't vote for any of the other candidates. I was very impressed by M. McAleese over the time of his wife's terms as President. I wonder if he would consider going himself? Do you think he'd be suitable and would it be good for the McAleeses to stay on at the áras?

No dynasties. We've had enough monarchies for now (:P).

jakdelad

Knight990 wrote: »

There were no other candidates running seven years ago Pointless to have a vote then, what would it be? "Do you want Mary McAleese, or...no President". :rolleyes:

quite right there was no candidates
because the main political parties rigged it that way
mcreevy got the gravy job in brussells
so all the political parties got togeather and agreed not to run or allow
anyone else to run because they wanted to focus their own interest on the kildare by- election
macaleese got a buy for another 7 years
of course had she done the decent thing and said no i am stepping down
and will run again, there would have to allow citizens to contest the election and so the nation would of had a chance to vote
but no worries shes gone now in a few months.
but i am sure if the could manage it she would stay another 7 years but
the consitution says 14 s you limit

and the irony of it, an independant got elected to mcreeveys seat, catherine murphy

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish_presidential_election,_2004

ninty9er

Lapin wrote: »

It would also have the appearance of creating a presidential dynasty.

Were Mr. McAleese to be elected, his children would be old enough to run for the office at the next election. There would be a strong argument for saying any of them are best suited for the presidency then, given the fact that they have grown up in the surroundings of the office.

Let's build a castle at Tara and restore the position of High King:p There are worse things that could happen.

Although their children are themselves beginning to build distinguished careers without using their parents to promote them, so I'm not sure how interested they would be.

Fulton Crown

jakdelad wrote: »

well had the irish people had the chance to vote seven years ago
i am pretty sure the people could make a decision

so the dentist is heading for the senate
the ould cronyism sh1te is still around

A little bit harsh Buddy ?

McAleese has done a lot of very valuable low profile work over the last 14 years and has been an excellent representative for our country.

He does it all quietly and without any self publicity

Surely nomination to The Senate is a reasonabley fitting recognition for that.

In my book cronyism is when you appoint clearly unsuitable persons to positions of authority purely on the basis of party membership.

Mc Aleese does not fit into that category......

Lockstep

I met him once and he was a real gent. Very down to earth and approachable (as was his wife). I've a fair amount of respect for him due to his work on Northern Ireland and am glad to see him a senator. He wouldn't be a bad president either though I'd prefer Michael D.

jakdelad

Ald wrote: »

Apart from Michael D. Higgins I wouldn't vote for any of the other candidates. I was very impressed by M. McAleese over the time of his wife's terms as President. I wonder if he would consider going himself? Do you think he'd be suitable and would it be good for the McAleeses to stay on at the áras?

no and no

jakdelad

Fulton Crown wrote: »

A little bit harsh Buddy ?

McAleese has done a lot of very valuable low profile work over the last 14 years and has been an excellent representative for our country.

He does it all quietly and without any self publicity

Surely nomination to The Senate is a reasonabley fitting recognition for that.

In my book cronyism is when you appoint clearly unsuitable persons to positions of authority purely on the basis of party membership.

Mc Aleese does not fit into that category......

if he done all this secret behind the scenes work how is we all know about it?
he was a bagman for the govt in the north
as for the seanad its all over the gravy jug is empty
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish_presidential_election,_2004
if you want to put someone in the seanad put in an unemployed person with a kids and a mortgage
or a single parent, or a disabled person someone who will do some good
at the moment its just a wind baggery factory

Fulton Crown

jakdelad wrote: »

if he done all this secret behind the scenes work how is we all know about it?
he was a bagman for the govt in the north
as for the seanad its all over the gravy jug is empty
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish_presidential_election,_2004
if you want to put someone in the seanad put in an unemployed person with a kids and a mortgage
or a single parent, or a disabled person someone who will do some good
at the moment its just a wind baggery factory

Hmm....I am trying to work out what you are coming at Bud and realise that English may not be your first language.

Martin McAleese is widely known to have worked behind the scenes in support of the peace process.

I am quite sure we are not aware of all the work he has done and we we were not aware while he was doing it.

Agree with you about the Senate...it's a luxury we cannot afford...but at the moment it's there and we should put good people in it like Mr McAleese.

Don't agree with the sh1te of putting disabled people ...single parents or unemployed in the Senate...thats rubbish pal.

Allie G

The McAleese's have done a fantastic job in Ireland. They have represented this country with dignity and respect. I can't remember a single time there was a scandal with them. Had the pleasure of spending a little bit of time with President and Senator McAleese. They treat us common Irish people with the same warmth and friendliness they have treated every other visitor ie The Queen!

I personally would love to see Martin McAleese run for presidency. At least he wont be legalising drugs and Prostitution!!

expectationlost

Ald wrote: »

Apart from Michael D. Higgins I wouldn't vote for any of the other candidates. I was very impressed by M. McAleese over the time of his wife's terms as President. I wonder if he would consider going himself? Do you think he'd be suitable and would it be good for the McAleeses to stay on at the áras?

why what did he do?

Cavehill Red

expectationlost wrote: »

why what did he do?

People have no idea, which really galls me. They heard in the media that he did 'a lof of good work' in the North, but when pressed they can't say what it was.

I can, and I don't consider it good at all. He cosied up to the head of the UDA Jackie McDonald and brought this murderous terrorist repeatedly to Aras an Uachtarain as his guest, took him on golf trips and even, via the office of the President, arranged for him to be granted an emergency Irish passport (oh, the irony) so that McDonald could attempt to circumvent American Homeland Security and attend a Rangers Supporters Club meeting in Texas, where he intended to fundraise for the terror organisation he leads.

So he has shamed the institution of the Presidency and abused it. Why the hell is he in the Seanad, exactly?

Sand

Id rather the shopkeeper of my local centra. He seems like a nice guy, always says nice things to everyone. Id think hed be a great President.

Bob Z

sceptre wrote: »

Assuming you're remembering Juan Perón's third wife Isabel taking over as president when he died in 1974, it certainly didn't work out well. Massive budget deficits, riots, strikes, scary inflation, mysterious disappearances (not that this was unusual for a Perón presidency) and it ended in a military coup in 1976 and a seven-year military dictatorship.

Not the best example:)

Yes but she did have a successful musical and an oscar nominated film made about her

Allie G

What there's a law now about who the man plays golf with and who he spends his free time with?? What about all the other people who have been guests into the Aras for the past 14 years? What about the charity work that the McAleeses have done? What about the way they represented this country with dignity and respect evry single time they went abroad? I'm not really into politics but in fairness they have done a lot for this country. In my opinion if they were to stay in office they could do so much more!

anymore

Allie G wrote: »

What there's a law now about who the man plays golf with and who he spends his free time with?? What about all the other people who have been guests into the Aras for the past 14 years? What about the charity work that the McAleeses have done? What about the way they represented this country with dignity and respect evry single time they went abroad? I'm not really into politics but in fairness they have done a lot for this country. In my opinion if they were to stay in office they could do so much more!

It is about time that someone said " What is so hard about acting with dignity and respect when you have had a good education, enjoy a good lifestyle and are as a couple on about 250 to 300 K a year plus can look forward to at least two defined benefits PD pensions and possibly one or two private ones as well ?

Are standards so low in this country that we dont demand acting with dignity and respect as a MIMIMUM standard for those holding high office ?

Sand

Looks like Irish presidential hopeful Michael D is establishing his Irish intellectual credentials, writing about his bitter, bleak and harsh Irish childhood in the priest ridden grey country of DeValera...so at least we know he'll be able to properly represent the Irish attitude to our country.

You'd wonder if anyone born in Ireland had a happy childhood, or even a "grand" childhood. Its not really Obama Yes-We-Can! type stuff, is it?

Allie G

anymore wrote: »

It is about time that someone said " What is so hard about acting with dignity and respect when you have had a good education, enjoy a good lifestyle and are as a couple on about 250 to 300 K a year plus can look forward to at least two defined benefits PD pensions and possibly one or two private ones as well ?

Are standards so low in this country that we dont demand acting with dignity and respect as a MIMIMUM standard for those holding high office ?

I'm not saying they shouldn't but in fairness look at David Norris's campaign. Legalising drugs, legalising prostitution , getting rid of the age of consent. In fairness with a President like that the country will be a laughing stock.

All I'm saying is the McAleeses have gained the respect of most of the people of this country. They have went out and met with the people even in this economic climate. Both Mary Robinson and Mary McAleese put Ireland on the map. Ireland needs somebody to lead the country who isn't afraid of pissing off the government. A person who will go above and beyond the call of duty to actually make a difference instead of sitting inside hiding behind the walls of the Aras.

I think Martin McAleese would be able to do that!

Sand

@Allie G

All I'm saying is the McAleeses have gained the respect of most of the people of this country.

Most of the people of this country dont even know who the McAleeses are. And certainly no one knows who Mr McAleese is or anything noteworthy hes supposed to have done.

So gaining the respect of most of the people of this country doesnt seem to be a difficult qualification to achieve.

Ireland needs somebody to lead the country who isn't afraid of pissing off the government.

The government are the ones chosen to lead the country, and theyd be right to be pissed off at someone else setting theselves up as a rival national leadership. They tend to lock up subversive groups...

mikom

Martin McAleese, he was behind that "your country, your call" thing wasn't he?
That was a roaring success...........

Allie G

Sand wrote: »

@Allie G


Most of the people of this country dont even know who the McAleeses are. And certainly no one knows who Mr McAleese is or anything noteworthy hes supposed to have done.

So gaining the respect of most of the people of this country doesnt seem to be a difficult qualification to achieve.



The government are the ones chosen to lead the country, and theyd be right to be pissed off at someone else setting theselves up as a rival national leadership. They tend to lock up subversive groups...

Oh and the Government have done such a "good job" running this country haven't they? The Irish government are a joke! Enda Kenny is worse than Brian Cowen !

And of course people know who the McAleeses are.

Allie G

mikom wrote: »

Martin McAleese, he was behind that "your country, your call" thing wasn't he?
That was a roaring success...........

Yep he was! He led it!

mikom

Allie G wrote: »

Yep he was! He led it!

To where?

Allie G

mikom wrote: »

To where?[/QUOTE
http://www.yourcountryyourcall.com/about.html
theres the link on it!

ninty9er

RonMexico wrote: »

No - it just looks like more dynasty crap. He has had his time in the park.

Is that not for the electorate to decide?

Personally, he'd be close to the top if not at the top of my ballot paper.

Silvio.Dante

Martim McAleese is a genius idea but I'm sure his Mrs will want out of the Aras...

Allie G

Silvio.Dante wrote: »

Martim McAleese is a genius idea but I'm sure his Mrs will want out of the Aras...

I don't know! I still think there's a lot more they could do and I think they know that!

Silvio.Dante

Allie G wrote: »

I don't know! I still think there's a lot more they could do and I think they know that!

He'd get my vote for sure...

Allie G

Silvio.Dante wrote: »

He'd get my vote for sure...

Yep mine too. Never really gave much thought to it until last week when i met him and his wife. Beautiful warm friendly people!! A credit to Ireland!

Silvio.Dante

Allie G wrote: »

Yep mine too. Never really gave much thought to it until last week when i met him and his wife. Beautiful warm friendly people!! A credit to Ireland!

Were you at the Garden Party..?

Allie G

Silvio.Dante wrote: »

Were you at the Garden Party..?

Yep and met them in Cork hospital as well!