Miriam for President?

Cork Boy 53 · 23-12-2017 3:00pm #1

http://www.msn.com/en-ie/news/newsireland/miriam-ocallaghan-on-top-of-fianna-f%c3%a1il-candidate-wish-list-for-presidential-election/ar-BBHaJIt?li=BBr5KbJ

A ridiculous idea or is there any merit in this proposal?

johnnyskeleton · 23-12-2017 5:20pm

Mod note:

Hi OP,

Please read the charter re: standards of opening post and the requirement to set out your own view on the issue to get the debate rolling.

Cork Boy 53 · 23-12-2017 6:20pm

johnnyskeleton wrote: »

Mod note:

Hi OP,

Please read the charter re: standards of opening post and the requirement to set out your own view on the issue to get the debate rolling.

OK sorry my apologies.

I think this is a totally ridiculous idea. IMO it would make Fianna Fail a laughing stock in much the same way as the idea that was floated previously regarding approaching Gay Byrne as a candidate.

DanMurphy · 23-12-2017 6:30pm

Could all go tits up for FF alright.

mattser · 23-12-2017 6:34pm

ABB

Jimbob1977 · 23-12-2017 6:38pm

The tradition is that the incumbent President is not challenged and it becomes a procession.

Michael D. Higgins would comfortably beat any contender.

elperello · 23-12-2017 6:45pm

Whoever gets the gig at least the wheels are sorted.

http://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/president-michael-d-higgins-gets-11742617

Creol1 · 24-12-2017 9:50am

Ms O'Callaghan already arguably has a conflict of interest as the sister of a senior FF TD. How long are her employers going to allow her to flirt with FF before requiring her to clarify whether or not she is willing to accept the FF nomination?

The list of people named by the Indo as possible contenders reminds me of the last campaign and how anyone who's anyone seems to get mentioned; nowadays, you're nobody if you're not being linked with a presidential run. Even Síle de Valera was mentioned; she hasn't been heard of for donkey's years.

elperello · 24-12-2017 11:43am

MDH gave a hostage to fortune when he said he would be a one term President.
The current speculation flows from his refusal to confirm his intentions.
It is unedifying and in the long term damaging to the standing of the office.

Dr Crayfish · 24-12-2017 11:51am

Why would this person be given any public office? Personally I think she's a disgrace having 8 kids in this day and age. Sends a poor message of irresponsibility.

Mr.Micro · 24-12-2017 12:32pm

Dr Crayfish wrote: »

Why would this person be given any public office? Personally I think she's a disgrace having 8 kids in this day and age. Sends a poor message of irresponsibility.

I find it more amazing that she had time. She lives on RTE and loves being on TV. Keep MDH.

Itssoeasy · 24-12-2017 2:56pm

Terrible terrible idea. As has been said the fact that our current president is not making his intentions known for what happens next year is creating this vacuum and people will speculate.

It does raise the question of who will be our next president though. And when you ask yourself that question, the names aren't plentiful.

I think Mary Robinson, and especially Mary McAleese did great service to the office of the president of Ireland. I've been rewatching Mary McAleese speeches and she is excellent, as is Michael D Higgins who has an ability to strike the right tone in whatever settting he is in. I watched his address in Britian where he spoke to the House of Commons and he really did speak very well.

Itssoeasy · 24-12-2017 2:56pm

Dr Crayfish wrote: »

Why would this person be given any public office? Personally I think she's a disgrace having 8 kids in this day and age. Sends a poor message of irresponsibility.

Does it ? Surely it was her choice to have eight children.

kneemos · 24-12-2017 3:02pm

One plus point of the presidency is you don't hear much from them. In that regard Miriam would be a perfect candidate.

AndyBoBandy · 24-12-2017 3:09pm

elperello wrote: »

Whoever gets the gig at least the wheels are sorted.

http://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/president-michael-d-higgins-gets-11742617

What a horrendously stupid article.

‘A source said’.....

The source probably being Billy who sells newspapers on a street corner. They might as well ask their source what they think of our Navy burning all that fuel ‘cruising’ around our coasts, and how many homes that fuel could heat....

“They were custom built for the president” - yes, as are all cars of this nature. I’d be willing to bet the guys at BMW didn’t get a list of specs required specifically for Michael D, rather they received an order for 2 VIP cars to their VIP/executive car section, and at best the cars were ordered with specs/extras on offer for anyone who pays for them.

I’m so glad I don’t read those type of rag papers.

My opinion on Miriam for president? Absolutely not. (Though I’d almost like her to go for it in the hope she’d be uttterly decimated at the polls and even beaten by a Lord Buckethead type ‘joke’ candidate).
I’d be more than happy for Michael D. Higgins to serve another term. Preferably unopposed.

Wildsurfer · 24-12-2017 3:16pm

Dr Crayfish wrote: »

Why would this person be given any public office? Personally I think she's a disgrace having 8 kids in this day and age. Sends a poor message of irresponsibility.

I hope your only joking...

Dr Crayfish · 24-12-2017 3:21pm

I'm not joking. Unless you're a traveller or living off the welfare why would an educated person think it's sustainable to be having 8 kids? And the media portray her as a role model. Never mind the global population epidemic if we all start having 8 kids this country would be utterly f**ked.

AndyBoBandy · 24-12-2017 3:24pm

Dr Crayfish wrote: »

Why would an educated person think it's sustainable to be having 8 kids?

Well in fairness she works for RTÉ.

She’s guaranteed to have at least 3 of those 8 kids presenting their own shows in the next 10-15 years!!

Wildsurfer · 24-12-2017 3:48pm

Dr Crayfish wrote: »

I'm not joking. Unless you're a traveller or living off the welfare why would an educated person think it's sustainable to be having 8 kids? And the media portray her as a role model. Never mind the global population epidemic if we all start having 8 kids this country would be utterly f**ked.

I don't think people will start popping out soccer teams if the president happens to have a large family now in fairness, people make their own decisions in life. Why not focus on the fact that as well as obviously loving being a mother, she also maintained a high profile career, and earns 300K a year to look after her family. They will be well educated and will contribute to society, hardly a bad role model.

DeadHand · 24-12-2017 3:59pm

Dr Crayfish wrote: »

I'm not joking. Unless you're a traveller or living off the welfare why would an educated person think it's sustainable to be having 8 kids? And the media portray her as a role model. Never mind the global population epidemic if we all start having 8 kids this country would be utterly f**ked.

Global overpopulation is not Miriam’s or Ireland’s fault. She shouldn’t need to make lifestyle changes in some misguided attempt to fix it. Indeed, sane immigration policies would have insulated us completely from global overpopulation. Instead, people are offered bedshares in Dublin as the country enjoys an abundance of takeaway delivery men and nightclub toilet attendants.

O’Callaghan paid for her kids and they’ll be raised in an environment that almost totally ensures they will pay for themselves and help pay for those who can’t or won’t.

She is exactly the kind of person that should be encouraged to reproduce.

Paddy De Plasterer · 26-12-2017 10:32pm

Creol1 wrote: »

Ms O'Callaghan already arguably has a conflict of interest as the sister of a senior FF TD. How long are her employers going to allow her to flirt with FF before requiring her to clarify whether or not she is willing to accept the FF nomination?

The list of people named by the Indo as possible contenders reminds me of the last campaign and how anyone who's anyone seems to get mentioned; nowadays, you're nobody if you're not being linked with a presidential run. Even Síle de Valera was mentioned; she hasn't been heard of for donkey's years.

I agree, she has been mentioned as a contender for ages now. Hope RTE take note

Rubberchikken · 26-12-2017 10:37pm

Oh my god no. I just couldnt take it.:eek:

NIMAN · 26-12-2017 10:51pm

Sums up the continued celebification of everything these days.

Did I also hear one of the rte news readers mentioned? Can't remember her name now. Not sure if it was Eileen Dunne or the one that retired a few years back. Anne Doyle?

Miriam would be a shocking choice. FF need theirs heads checked if they run with her.

Ficheall · 26-12-2017 10:57pm

Surely she wouldn't take the drop in wages?

tayto lover · 26-12-2017 11:00pm

I can see her campaign slogan now - "Precious for President" but no thanks. She's a joke.

Creol1 · 26-12-2017 11:16pm

NIMAN wrote: »

Sums up the continued celebification of everything these days.

Did I also hear one of the rte news readers mentioned? Can't remember her name now. Not sure if it was Eileen Dunne or the one that retired a few years back. Anne Doyle?

Miriam would be a shocking choice. FF need theirs heads checked if they run with her.

Anne Doyle, according to the Indo.

Ficheall wrote: »

Surely she wouldn't take the drop in wages?

A while ago, I remember even her colleague Joe Duffy (not normally one for the witty riposte) making a similar remark -- that she wouldn't want to move into a smaller house!

Muahahaha · 28-12-2017 1:20am

elperello wrote: »

MDH gave a hostage to fortune when he said he would be a one term President.
The current speculation flows from his refusal to confirm his intentions.
It is unedifying and in the long term damaging to the standing of the office.

I like Michael D but he needs to get off the fence on whether or not he is standing again. Right now he is saying he will not make a decision until September 2018 with the Presidential Election due for November 2018. That is simply not fair on any other candidate thinking of running. I have a feeling the media will crank up the pressure on him in the New Year to either declare or decline but to do it soon.

In any case I wouldnt vote for him this time out as another 7 year stint means it is likely he will pass away during his time in office.

As for Miriam well if Michael D runs then she will not. She wont be able to beat him and Michael D will refuse to take part in any election debates so there will be no opportunity for a candidate to distinguish themselves from him.

If Michael D runs again then it is a done deal. If he doesnt and Miriam does then we are in for an entertaining campaign. There is nothing more dirty in Irish politics than a Presidential campaign and Miriam might find herself losing that whiter than white image when a few RTE insiders start the leaks.

Permabear · 28-12-2017 1:26am

This post has been deleted.

Creol1 · 28-12-2017 2:13pm

Muahahaha wrote: »

In any case I wouldnt vote for him this time out as another 7 year stint means it is likely he will pass away during his time in office.

Dev was still president into his nineties. I think Childers was the only president who died in office, and he wasn't too old.

ancapailldorcha · 29-12-2017 12:15am

Mod: Serious discussion only please.

AnGaelach · 29-12-2017 7:33pm

I don't know why people like Michael D so much, he doesn't seem to be very active except in calling for the refugee system to be reformed, angering the Government and confusing the Diplomatic Corp by calling Castro a giant of socialism (with Enda having to say Michael D has his views), threatening to question the constitutionality of a Bill that did try to reform the refugee system (since it tightened the rules instead of loosening them).

Do people simply like him because he comes across as a dottering old man and they don't hear anything controversial from him? In which case, why like him personally since it's a convention of office that the President doesn't criticise the Executive and so on?

I'd prefer if he didn't stand for re-election at all.

bandit14 · 06-01-2018 8:02pm

Cork Boy 53 wrote: »

http://www.msn.com/en-ie/news/newsireland/miriam-ocallaghan-on-top-of-fianna-f%c3%a1il-candidate-wish-list-for-presidential-election/ar-BBHaJIt?li=BBr5KbJ

A ridiculous idea or is there any merit in this proposal?

Is this for real people ?? Can't be serious !!

NIMAN · 07-01-2018 10:33am

bandit14 wrote: »

Is this for real people ?? Can't be serious !!

Unfortunately, I think it is.

FG will have to get someone of similar standing in the country to combat this threat. Maybe a Biddy or a Dustin the Turkey?

honeybear · 07-01-2018 10:35am

Cork Boy 53 wrote: »

http://www.msn.com/en-ie/news/newsireland/miriam-ocallaghan-on-top-of-fianna-f%c3%a1il-candidate-wish-list-for-presidential-election/ar-BBHaJIt?li=BBr5KbJ

A ridiculous idea or is there any merit in this proposal?

Please tell me this is a joke?

FrancieBrady · 07-01-2018 10:47am

I do think a president with a creative and intellectual background sits well in the Aras as M.D. has proved to be. I have been at a number of events which he has addressed and I think he has been a thoughtful, diligent and respectful President.

I don't think we would get that style of President with Miriam, and while I am sure she would bring her own style and talents to the job, I don't think they would be suited to the job.

NIMAN · 08-01-2018 10:18am

If Trump can be POTUS, then no reason why Miriam can't be President of Ireland.

Unfortunately.

Cork Boy 53 · 24-03-2018 3:47pm

Latest speculation on Miriam`s intentions about running for the Aras.

http://www.msn.com/en-ie/news/newsireland/miriam-dumps-chat-show-fuelling-speculation-she-will-run-for-the-%c3%a1ras/ar-BBKCIAO?li=BBr5KbJ

Nitrogan · 24-03-2018 6:34pm

Anyone but Mikeldy Higgins.

It was bad enough that his initial election was sabotaged by Sinn Fein but he's just not an affective head of state and we need better with some difficult events coming.

Fann Linn · 24-03-2018 6:37pm

Nitrogan wrote: »

Anyone but Mikeldy Higgins.

It was bad enough that his initial election was sabotaged by Sinn Fein but he's just not an affective head of state and we need better with some difficult events coming.

He's the best of whats in the Dail or Seanad. He'd get my vote.

Muahahaha · 24-03-2018 7:26pm

Indo are still spinning that she is going to run. I cant see it happening unless Michael D decides to retire.

https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/miriam-dumps-chat-show-fuelling-speculation-she-will-run-for-the-ras-36739211.html

RTÉ broadcaster Miriam O'Callaghan has dramatically fuelled speculation she is to run in the presidential election by announcing she is taking a break from her summer chat show.

Last night when contacted by the Irish Independent, Ms O'Callaghan did not comment on whether she intends to run for the presidency.

RTÉ would also not comment when asked if management had met with Ms O'Callaghan to discuss any presidential ambitions she may have.

This week, Ms O'Callaghan said she was taking a hiatus from her chat show so she could focus on a documentary on the Troubles in Northern Ireland, the abortion referendum in May and the papal visit in August.

However, this change has now sparked intense speculation amongst colleagues in Montrose that the mother-of-eight is freeing up her summer to campaign ahead of a presidential election later this year.

"It's all a bit odd and you'd have to say all the talk about her running is serious now," a senior RTÉ source told the Irish Independent.

Larbre34 · 24-03-2018 7:58pm

Nitrogan wrote: »

Anyone but Mikeldy Higgins.

It was bad enough that his initial election was sabotaged by Sinn Fein but he's just not an affective head of state and we need better with some difficult events coming.

Would you elaborate on that for us? What difficult events do you foresee that the President would have to deal with directly? That person that wields no political or executive power?

pjmn · 24-03-2018 8:01pm

Muahahaha wrote: »

Indo are still spinning that she is going to run. I cant see it happening unless Michael D decides to retire.

https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/miriam-dumps-chat-show-fuelling-speculation-she-will-run-for-the-ras-36739211.html

I'll be leaving if she gets in.....:(

Larbre34 · 24-03-2018 8:21pm

I don't see Miriam as a credible candidate at all. However I cant reject her out of hand, because she has a practically identical profile to Mary McAleese at the point she decided to run. Journo, lawyer, high profile working mother etc.

I also don't think Michael D should remain until he is 85, I just think a head of state and No. 1 ambassador for the Country should not be at risk of health problems or loss of faculties associated with great age.

I think our head of state should have some considerable political or judicial experience and be learned, or be a noted campaigner for justice or social progress, not a minor celebrity.

The type of suitable people that occur to me are Fergus Finlay, Liz O'Donnell, Colm O'Gorman, Catherine Day. I dont know from where Gerard Craughwell thinks anyone has any interest or knowledge of him.

Its a pity Peter Sutherland passed away prematurely, he wouldve been a peerless candidate.

Klonker · 25-03-2018 3:04am

President of Ireland is basically an ambassador role, it doesn't matter how does it. Shake a few hands, send out a few condolence statements, that's about it. Saying that I don't want Miriam or anyone Sinn Fein to get the job. Oh or Bertie

sdanseo · 25-03-2018 3:25am

The single most annoying personality RTÉ ever produced, and I include Ray Darcy in that. Would embarrass the Office of President just by being anywhere near it.

Michael D for a second term please. He has so far brought everything that should be brought to the Presidency: decorum without being pompous, a concern for the people no matter what their walk of life, fluent in Irish (one of really only three of four poliitical roles where it's essential) and most importantly, he seems to love the job because he respects what it is and what it isn't. He didn't run for notoriety.

B..b..b..Bertie, for all his very considerable faults, probably wouldn't do a bad job. He'd be a damn sight better than glorifying a celebrity for the hell of it. Just wouldn't deserve it.

Cork Boy 53 · 25-03-2018 2:35pm

sdanseo wrote: »

B..b..b..Bertie, for all his very considerable faults, probably wouldn't do a bad job. He'd be a damn sight better than glorifying a celebrity for the hell of it. Just wouldn't deserve it.

Not a snowball`s chance in hell that Bertie would be considered for the office of president. If it had been 12 years or so ago maybe but after all the revelations since 2006/2007 no way would it happen now.

LiamaDelta · 25-03-2018 3:28pm

sdanseo wrote: »

The single most annoying personality RTÉ ever produced, and I include Ray Darcy in that. Would embarrass the Office of President just by being anywhere near it.

Michael D for a second term please. He has so far brought everything that should be brought to the Presidency: decorum without being pompous, a concern for the people no matter what their walk of life, fluent in Irish (one of really only three of four poliitical roles where it's essential) and most importantly, he seems to love the job because he respects what it is and what it isn't. He didn't run for notoriety.

B..b..b..Bertie, for all his very considerable faults, probably wouldn't do a bad job. He'd be a damn sight better than glorifying a celebrity for the hell of it. Just wouldn't deserve it.

have to agree with you there. I've listened to and read a number of his speeches and they have been excellent and inspiring. Particularly when he's speaking to young people, his speech at the Young Scientist awards this year was great.
He understands the limitations of the job but excels where the job can make a difference.
I'd love him to stay on longer but as another poster mentioned 85 might just be that bit too old. Though I don't see any harm in him staying on and retiring if his health gets the better of him. Particularly given the 'alternatives' that have been mooted so far!

Chris_Heilong · 25-03-2018 5:08pm

As they are just a figure head with no real political power then sure, why not.

sdanseo · 25-03-2018 7:13pm

Chris_Heilong wrote: »

As they are just a figure head with no real political power then sure, why not.

The President is a good bit more than that. It's an office that should lead the state in all matters outside party politics, and so tends to use its considerable influence in community events, movements, societies, charities.

The President also has an important constitutional role. While nominated by a party more often than not, the office is impartial - Michael D in particular takes this very seriously, making a big deal in his inagural speech of how he was immediately resigning from every position in the Labour Party. This allows them to take a breath before signing legislation without the fear of backlash and the President has in the past referred many bills to the Supreme Court to test their constitutionality.

And of course the President is the "figurehead" - a ceremonial role, head of the Defence Forces, appoints Taoisigh and Ministers, welcomes new ambassadors, participates in Easter / Ware commemorations and so on. A lot of people see this part of it as for show, a waste of money, but for me at least it's incredibly important. It's hard to be proud of a country if you don't make a show of its identity every so often.

DeV(alera, not the boards admin) would turn in his grave at the thought but from this point of view the President is not too unlike the purpose of keeping the Royals around in the UK. And they are overwhelmingly loved and admired by the brits, and that's without being elected.

LiamaDelta · 25-03-2018 9:50pm

sdanseo wrote: »

The President is a good bit more than that. It's an office that should lead the state in all matters outside party politics, and so tends to use its considerable influence in community events, movements, societies, charities.

The President also has an important constitutional role. While nominated by a party more often than not, the office is impartial - Michael D in particular takes this very seriously, making a big deal in his inagural speech of how he was immediately resigning from every position in the Labour Party. This allows them to take a breath before signing legislation without the fear of backlash and the President has in the past referred many bills to the Supreme Court to test their constitutionality.

And of course the President is the "figurehead" - a ceremonial role, head of the Defence Forces, appoints Taoisigh and Ministers, welcomes new ambassadors, participates in Easter / Ware commemorations and so on. A lot of people see this part of it as for show, a waste of money, but for me at least it's incredibly important. It's hard to be proud of a country if you don't make a show of its identity every so often.

DeV(alera, not the boards admin) would turn in his grave at the thought but from this point of view the President is not too unlike the purpose of keeping the Royals around in the UK. And they are overwhelmingly loved and admired by the brits, and that's without being elected.

Well said. I'd also add, if you've ever been a resident or doing work abroad it's a massive boost to have an Ambassador or President visit and acknowledge your presence and effort, and they generally thank you for representing your country abroad.
It's an over-simplification to say that the president has no 'power'. the power of leadership is rather difficult to measure and often is not felt for many years.

recedite · 25-03-2018 10:44pm

Larbre34 wrote: »

Its a pity Peter Sutherland passed away prematurely, he wouldve been a peerless candidate.

Career bankster, lobbyist for unrestricted third world migration into the EU, and the man who said "the European Union, in my view, should be doing its best to undermine sense of our homogeneity and difference" (between individual countries).
Hard to think of anyone more unsuitable to preside over a nation state.

Miriam for President?

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