Michael Flatley: Riverdance star considers Irish presidential bid
Speaking to Brendan O'Connor on RTÉ radio, Flatley said he had spent the last 30 years of his life "touring the world promoting Ireland and Irish culture".He said the presidency was statesman's role and added he was "not sure we need another politician".The former dancer added that he heard the concerns of the "average person on the street" and they are not "happy right now"."If I thought that I could be of benefit to the Irish people and - maybe more importantly - if I thought I could be a voice of the Irish people," he said."Right now, I don't think they have a voice - not a true, proper, deep voice that you know that speaks their language."
Flatley, who was born in Chigago, would be eligible to run as he has Irish citizenship.He said he was consulting with a "team of advisors" ahead of making a final decision.The Irish-American, who hung up his dancing shoes in 2016, said he has a lot to consider if he was to seek a nomination. "I have a huge business to run, I have an army of dancers counting on me to make a living," he said."I have a whiskey company, a beautiful young wife and son that I want to spend time with."I take it seriously but no I have not made a decision."
In 1994, he helped launch the Irish dancing spectacle, Riverdance, after performing at the Eurovision Song Contest in Dublin.After Eurovision, Riverdance was transformed into an arena tour. Several years later Michael Flatley developed his own show, Lord of the Dance.
Who can run to be the president of Ireland?
To be eligible to run for the Irish presidency, a candidate must be an Irish citizen who is 35 or older.They must be nominated either by at least 20 members of the Oireachtas (Irish houses of parliament) or at least four local authorities (councils).A president is elected for a seven-year term of office, but cannot serve more than two terms.So far two candidates have been announced to replace President Higgins.Former EU Commissioner and MEP Mairead McGuinness is running for Fine Gael, while TD (Member of Parliament) Catherine Connolly is running as an Independent after securing the backing of 20 Oireachtas members.
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