Expect race for Ireland's next president to be a sprint, not a marathon

RTÉ News​

7 hours ago

When it comes to the race to elect what our Constitution describes as the person "who shall take precedence over all other persons in the State", expect a sprint rather than a marathon.
It seems pretty clear now that the political calculation at Leinster House - across most parties - is that a summer Presidential campaign is not in their interests.
Back in 2011, then Independent candidate and long-standing Senator David Norris was out-of-the-traps as early as March.
Fourteen years later, voters probably won't know the first definitive candidate until July and the full slate until September.
Why will it take so long to get a definitive candidate?
The fact is that while the office of President is a substantial one, its constitutional power is limited to such dry matters as assessing whether or not legislation should be referred to the Supreme Court.
Accordingly, previous races for the Áras have been more about the candidate rather than any policy which they may seek to advance.
Such campaigns have ranged from personalised and bruising to brutal.
This could explain why it is only now that the Taoiseach and Fianna Fáil leader is taking "soundings" on possible candidates, adding that it will be August before matters are finalised.
Candidates might be "wary", Micheál Martin suggested.
In such a political vacuum, it's not surprising that new names of possible Fianna Fáil candidates continue to pop up - the latest being former SDLP leader, Colum Eastwood.
The cautious approach being adopted by the Taoiseach is echoed by the Tánaiste and Fine Gael leader, Simon Harris.
He suggested to RTÉ's Today with Claire Byrne that while the presidency is a prestigious role, the gruelling nature of the campaign is unpalatable.
Fine Gael's nominations are slated to close in mid-July.
Former EU Commissioner Mairéad McGuinness and current Ireland South MEP Seán Kelly are regularly mentioned as Fine Gael candidates.
Party sources suggest that whoever is the winner, it's unlikely their campaign will be in full tilt until the following month.
For its part, Sinn Féin is consulting with its membership about whether to contest the election alone or join a left alliance.
It has the electoral numbers to nominate its own candidate, with Belfast lawyer and MP John Finucane often being talked about.
Alternatively, Sinn Féin could opt to join forces with Labour, the Social Democrats, and Greens to nominate a candidate, Senator Frances Black and Deputy Catherine Connolly have both been suggested.
Independent presidential candidates have had impactful campaigns in the past, for example Seán Gallagher, Peter Casey, and Dana Rosemary Scallon.
However, the method they used to land their nominations - securing the backing of four local authorities - will be a more difficult task this time out.
The three big beasts of Irish politics - Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Sinn Féin - are highly unlikely to give the nod to either of the two candidates who've declared so far: Peter Casey and the former MMA athlete Conor McGregor.
As it stands, the presidential campaign will not get into full swing until late August.
And then it's only a matter of weeks before the electorate has to decide who will be Ireland's 10th Úachtarán na hÉireann.