Michael Flatley mulling over move to launch presidential campaign

Sunday World

19-07-2025

"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, a voice of the Irish people.'
Michael Flatley has not ruled out a presidential bid and is consulting with 'a team of advisors' as he mulls over launching a campaign for the Áras.
While the Riverdance star told The Brendan O'Connor Show on RTÉ Radio 1 that he has not yet made a decision and has not been approached by a political party, he said he has been 'approached by some very weighted individuals, people in the know'.
"I've not made the decision, but I have a team of advisors that are advising me on this. And you know, for me, it wouldn't be – I mean, I have a huge business to run,' he said.
"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.
Michael Flatley
Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 19th
"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, 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 said he is 'blessed to meet the average person on the street' and often hears their concerns, adding: 'I'd be lying if I said they're happy right now, and somebody has to speak for the Irish people.
"You know, I'm not sure we need another politician if I'm honest. I know 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.
"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 those people more to promote the country and I think maybe that's what the job of president is all about.'
Asked whether he has been approached by a political party, Mr Flatley said: 'No, I have not, but I have 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.'
When it was put to him that he was 'absolutely' not ruling himself out of the race, he said: 'Let me finish with this, Brendan. Let it be said that I stand for Ireland and the Irish people. Sin é.'
Former European Commissioner Mairead McGuinness will be formally ratified as the Fine Gael candidate at a party event in September, while Independent Galway West TD Catherine Connolly formally launched her presidential campaign this week.
Fianna Fáil has yet to decide on a candidate, with former education minister Mary Hanafin saying it would be 'an insult' if the party did not have a name on the ballot.
She said she would 'happily' contest the election, with Peter Power, the executive director at UNICEF another possible contender for Fianna Fáil to consider.
Sinn Féin are also yet to make a decision, with party leader Mary Lou McDonald opening the door to a potential bid when she told reporters earlier this month that Sinn Féin 'are not ruling anything in or anything out'.