Michael D confirms he's going for the presidency

Lockstep · 09-09-2010 10:46AM #1

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Galway West TD Michael D Higgins has confirmed his interest in running in the next Presidential election.

Speaking to the Galway Independent this morning, Thursday, Deputy Higgins said he has put himself forward as a potential candidate and is seeking a nomination from the Labour Party.

Speculation had been rife for some time that the veteran TD had set his sights on becoming Head of State.

He has now confirmed that, after thinking about the matter over the summer months, he has decided to move forward in seeking the nomination.

And Deputy Higgins seems relatively confident about his chances, saying he would make a “very strong candidate” due to his background in human right work, working knowledge of the constitution and experience in the political system.

However, he said he would not be making any formal announcement until the Labour Party announces its selection process next month.

Mr Higgins’ move comes in the wake of the news that leading children’s rights campaigner Fergus Finlay has put himself forward to be considered in the presidential election. The chief executive of Barnardos is also seeking the Labour Party nomination.

I'm stoked about this. Always had the utmost respect for Michael D. Very glad to hear he's putting his name forward.

mike65 · 09-09-2010 10:52AM

Oh God almight another "affected" la-de-dar Presidential candidate.

BlaasForRafa · 09-09-2010 10:54AM

Higgins is one of the most unctious politicians I've ever seen, hopefully he won't get anywhere near the Aras.

PeterIanStaker · 09-09-2010 11:53AM

To be honest I'd prefer Fergus Finlay. He knows how things work behind the scenes in the Áras, as well as in politics and business. Michael D is too wishy washy.

celticbest · 09-09-2010 11:59AM

BlaasForRafa wrote: »

Higgins is one of the most unctious politicians I've ever seen, hopefully he won't get anywhere near the Aras.

+1, I'd vote for Callely before Higgins.

Lenny Lovett · 09-09-2010 01:06PM

Another politician who's had a free ride off us for years and now he's copper fastening his retirement home. Great!:mad:

spurious · 09-09-2010 01:11PM

If too many other candidates get into the ring, he who shall not be named will get in.

Corsendonk · 09-09-2010 02:35PM

Retirement gig...... don't think he can pull in the floating voters or other voters not happy with their own parties nominations to swing it anyway. The man does speak on worthy issues but gives me a headache with his delivery at times and his smugness.

Nodin · 09-09-2010 02:56PM

Michael D...hearts in the right place but the rest of him is away dancing with the little people...

As regards Finlay - theres no point in him being there, because the office is so restricted. He'd go mad. I'd say he's only running so he can stir the crap during the election.

flutered · 09-09-2010 03:35PM

Nodin wrote: »

Michael D...hearts in the right place but the rest of him is away dancing with the little people...

As regards Finlay - theres no point in him being there, because the office is so restricted. He'd go mad. I'd say he's only running so he can stir the crap during the election.

please enlighten and entertain me, (hopefully)

Nodin · 09-09-2010 03:47PM

Hmmmm?

Coillte_Bhoy · 09-09-2010 03:47PM

Lenny Lovett wrote: »

Another politician who's had a free ride off us for years and now he's copper fastening his retirement home. Great!:mad:

A free ride? Please explain. Do you know anything about the man?? Or are you one of those who lump them all in the same boat because you're too lazy or politically illiteretae to dsitinquish between different phillosophies etc?

stumpypeeps · 09-09-2010 03:51PM

Coillte_Bhoy wrote: »

A free ride? Please explain. Do you know anything about the man?? Or are you one of those who lump them all in the same boat because you're too lazy or politically illiteretae to dsitinquish between different phillosophies etc?

I would prefer a President without political allegiances. Finlay and Michael D are too Labour.

Norris is the man.

mike65 · 09-09-2010 04:04PM

FG have been linked with Sean Kelly (GAA) (not cyclist)

Coillte_Bhoy · 09-09-2010 04:07PM

mike65 wrote: »

FG have been linked with Sean Kelly (GAA) (not cyclist)

he is a FG MEP

mike65 · 09-09-2010 04:50PM

Maybe he'll stand down so.

Nodin · 09-09-2010 04:50PM

stumpypeeps wrote: »

I would prefer a President without political allegiances. Finlay and Michael D are too Labour.

Norris is the man.

Ahh, the bould Dave....on the one hand, I disagree with a lot of what he comes out with on certain issues....on the other, the idea of a gay protestant with an Arab partner in the Aras would drive certain elements out of their gourds...

stumpypeeps · 09-09-2010 04:55PM

Nodin wrote: »

Ahh, the bould Dave....on the one hand, I disagree with a lot of what he comes out with on certain issues....on the other, the idea of a gay protestant with an Arab partner in the Aras would drive certain elements out of their gourds...

Regardless of his views, he's apolitical, well spoken and articulate and he at least would be a slap in the face to the political parties who view the office as a nothing more than a political race.

chughes · 09-09-2010 05:04PM

I'd vote for David Norris. I think he'd bring a sense of gaiety to the Aras (no pun intended....honestly)

Manic Moran · 10-09-2010 07:06AM

I don't know.... "We got Michael D rockin' in the Aras for us" just doesn't really do it for me.

NTM

Michael D confirms he's going for the presidency

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