Michael Flatley not ruling out presidential run

RTÉ News​

4 days ago

Businessman and former dancer Michael Flatley has not ruled himself out of running for the presidency.
The creator of the world-famous Riverdance and Lord of the Dance shows was speaking to Brendan O'Connor on RTÉ radio.
He said he has been approached by many people and asked about his intentions to run, which he "takes seriously".
He said: "I've not made the decision, but I have a team of advisers that are advising me on this. I have a huge business to run.
"I have an army of dancers counting on me to make a living. I have a whiskey company, a beautiful young wife and son that I want to spend time with.
"If I thought that I could be of benefit to the Irish people and make maybe more importantly, if I thought I could be a voice of the Irish people - right now, I don't think they have a voice - not a true proper deep voice that you know that speaks their language."
He added that he is "very blessed" as he regularly meets "the average man".
"I meet the average person on the street from five to 95. I meet them all and I hear their concerns. And I'd be lying if I said they're happy right now, and somebody has to speak for the Irish people.
"I'm not sure we need another politician... if I'm honest.
"It's a statesman's role, but I spent the last 30 years of my life touring the world promoting Ireland and Irish culture."
'I've met them all'
Mr Flatley went through a long list of foreign leaders and dignatories he has met and talked up the importance of promoting Ireland abroad.
"I've met them all. I've met the Bushes, the Obamas, Trump, Putin.
"I've met the Clintons. I've met the king and queen of England. I've met the king and queen of Sweden and of Spain.
"I've met all those people on a more cultural front, more to promote the country. And I think maybe that's what the job of president is all about."
He said that he has not been approached by any political party but has been "approached by some very weighted individuals people in the know".
"It's certainly not something that I've made any decision on, but it does get frustrating when you see the hard-working Irish taxpayer working as hard out and having no say in things."
Mr Flatley ended by saying: "Let it be said that I stand for Ireland and the Irish people, Sin é."
Voting for the next president is expected to take place in late October.
So far two candidates have been announced.
Former EU Commissioner and MEP Mairead McGuinness is running for Fine Gael, while TD Catherine Connolly is running as an Independent after securing the backing of 20 Oireachtas members.