Latest news with #Flatley
Extra.ie
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Michael Flatley for President? The Lord of the Dance isn't ruling it out
Lord Of The Dance star Michael Flatley has revealed that he isn't ruling out a potential Presidential bid. Speaking on RTÉ's Brendan O'Connor Show yesterday, Mr Flatley said he took questions about his intentions to run, 'very seriously'. Lord Of The Dance star Michael Flatley has revealed that he isn't ruling out a potential Presidential bid. Pic: REX/Shutterstock He said: '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. '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. 'Right now, I don't think they have a voice, not a true proper deep voice that you know that speaks their language, 'Flatley said. Pic: David Rose/REX/Shutterstock '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 'very blessed' to meet the 'average person', adding: '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.' He said he had been 'approached by some very weighted individuals, people in the know,' about a bid.
South Wales Guardian
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
Michael Flatley dances around Irish presidency bid
An election for the largely ceremonial role is expected towards the end of October, as it must take place in the 60 days before outgoing President Michael D Higgins's term ends on November 11. Flatley, who is eligible to run as an Irish citizen, said he had not made a final decision on the matter but is consulting with a 'team of advisers'. Speaking to RTE Radio One about newspaper speculation on a potential bid, the Irish-American said he is stopped on the street 'everywhere' he goes and asked if he will run. However, he said that speculation was the result of his last appearance on the show with host Brendan O'Connor. The choreographer and dancer said: 'I take it seriously but no I have not made a decision'. Pressed on the matter, Flatley said: '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 – maybe more importantly – if I thought I could be a voice of the Irish people' He added: 'Right now, I don't think they have a voice – not a true proper deep voice that you know that speaks their language.' Flatley said he hears they concerns of 'average person on the street' and they are not 'happy right now', adding: 'Somebody has to speak for the Irish people.' He said he was not sure the role needed another politician, adding that he had spent three decades promoting Ireland and Irish culture. He said he had not been approached by any political party, but had been contacted by some '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 hardworking Irish taxpayer working as hard out and having no say in things.' Asked if he was leaning more in favour of running, he replied: 'Let it be said that I stand for Ireland and the Irish people.' To be eligible to run, 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 or at least four local authorities. Former or retiring presidents can nominate themselves. So far, two candidates have secured sufficient backing to enter the race. Mairead McGuinness, who was a TV presenter and farming journalist before becoming an MEP and EU commissioner, is the nominee to become Fine Gael's presidential candidate. Catherine Connolly, Independent TD for Galway West, has received the backing of the Social Democrats and People Before Profit, as well as independent TDs and Senators. Fianna Fail, the party with the most TDs in the Dail, has not clarified if it will run a candidate and is to make a decision in the early autumn. Sinn Fein has also not indicated a final decision on the race.
The Journal
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Journal
Michael Flatley coy about possible presidential run
LAST UPDATE | 56 mins ago THE FACE OF Riverdance has not ruled out a presidential run. Michael Flatley was coy about the possibility on RTÉ Radio One's Brendan O'Connor earlier today, saying that he has been approached by many people who have asked about his intentions to run. He said that this is something he 'takes seriously'. '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,' Flatley 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. '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. Right now, I don't think they have a voice, not a true proper deep voice that you know that speaks their language.' Flatley said that he regularly meets 'the average man' on the street. 'I meet them all, and I hear their concerns,' he told the show, 'and I'd be lying if I said they're happy right now, and somebody has to speak for the Irish people.' The 67-year-old said that he doesn't think it's necessary for another politician to take on the role of Uachtarain na hEireann. 'It's a statesman's role, but I spent the last 30 years of my life touring the world promoting Ireland and Irish culture.' Despite his reticence in outright declaring his intention to run for the role, Flatley went on to describe his own actions as a statesman. '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. Advertisement '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.' Asked if he had been approached by a political party, Flatley said that he hadn't, but has been 'approached by some very weighted individuals… people in the know.' He concluded on the assertion that he has not made a decision, 'but it does get frustrating when you see the hard-working Irish taxpayer working as hard out and having no say in things. 'Let it be said that I stand for Ireland and the Irish people, Sin é.' Independent TD Catherine Connolly is the only candidate to have formally launched her campaign. Mairead McGuinness has been confirmed as Fine Gael's candidate but has yet to be formally ratified. 'Excellent ambassador' Speaking on RTÉ's Saturday with Colm Ó Mongáin, Kerry TD and Minister of State Michael Healy-Rae ruled himself out of the presidential race. It's after broadcaster and former Fine Gael TD Ivan Yates claimed in an interview with that Healy-Rae could be a 'dark horse'. Healy-Rae said he has a 'very clear focus' on being a TD for Kerry. However, he added that Flatley is an 'excellent ambassador for our traditions of dance and music'. 'He's a person that I know personally, and he's a very, very nice gentleman,' said Healy-Rae. Related Reads Catherine Connolly, presidential hopeful, gave her first press conference today — here's what she said Question mark over Mary Lou McDonald's potential candidacy as support for Connolly builds 'I wish him every good luck in every endeavour that he would ever had, but you can be sure of one thing, whatever name is going to be on that piece of paper, it's not going to be me.' When asked if he would support Flatley's bid, Healy-Rae said: 'I wish Michael Flatley every good luck, as I would wish everybody else, but I am not going to be coming out and signing nomination papers for any person.' He also expressed hope that the presidential race will be a 'clean campaign' with no 'nasty and dirty campaigns'. Meanwhile, Sinn Féin TD Martin Kenny said his party is 'having a discussion' on whether to put forward a Sinn Féin candidate. 'Many people feel that as the largest opposition party, we should be running somebody,' said Kenny. 'Other people think we shouldn't and we should be backing somebody from a broad left-alliance. 'It's up in the air, we are considering it and we will take our time considering it. 'The election isn't going to be until November, so there's plenty of time to work out the details of all of this.' -With additional reporting from Diarmuid Pepper Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Leader Live
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Michael Flatley dances around Irish presidency bid
An election for the largely ceremonial role is expected towards the end of October, as it must take place in the 60 days before outgoing President Michael D Higgins's term ends on November 11. Flatley, who is eligible to run as an Irish citizen, said he had not made a final decision on the matter but is consulting with a 'team of advisers'. Speaking to RTE Radio One about newspaper speculation on a potential bid, the Irish-American said he is stopped on the street 'everywhere' he goes and asked if he will run. However, he said that speculation was the result of his last appearance on the show with host Brendan O'Connor. The choreographer and dancer said: 'I take it seriously but no I have not made a decision'. Pressed on the matter, Flatley said: '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 – maybe more importantly – if I thought I could be a voice of the Irish people' He added: 'Right now, I don't think they have a voice – not a true proper deep voice that you know that speaks their language.' Flatley said he hears they concerns of 'average person on the street' and they are not 'happy right now', adding: 'Somebody has to speak for the Irish people.' He said he was not sure the role needed another politician, adding that he had spent three decades promoting Ireland and Irish culture. He said he had not been approached by any political party, but had been contacted by some '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 hardworking Irish taxpayer working as hard out and having no say in things.' Asked if he was leaning more in favour of running, he replied: 'Let it be said that I stand for Ireland and the Irish people.' To be eligible to run, 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 or at least four local authorities. Former or retiring presidents can nominate themselves. So far, two candidates have secured sufficient backing to enter the race. Mairead McGuinness, who was a TV presenter and farming journalist before becoming an MEP and EU commissioner, is the nominee to become Fine Gael's presidential candidate. Catherine Connolly, Independent TD for Galway West, has received the backing of the Social Democrats and People Before Profit, as well as independent TDs and Senators. Fianna Fail, the party with the most TDs in the Dail, has not clarified if it will run a candidate and is to make a decision in the early autumn. Sinn Fein has also not indicated a final decision on the race.
Rhyl Journal
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
Michael Flatley dances around Irish presidency bid
An election for the largely ceremonial role is expected towards the end of October, as it must take place in the 60 days before outgoing President Michael D Higgins's term ends on November 11. Flatley, who is eligible to run as an Irish citizen, said he had not made a final decision on the matter but is consulting with a 'team of advisers'. Speaking to RTE Radio One about newspaper speculation on a potential bid, the Irish-American said he is stopped on the street 'everywhere' he goes and asked if he will run. However, he said that speculation was the result of his last appearance on the show with host Brendan O'Connor. The choreographer and dancer said: 'I take it seriously but no I have not made a decision'. Pressed on the matter, Flatley said: '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 – maybe more importantly – if I thought I could be a voice of the Irish people' He added: 'Right now, I don't think they have a voice – not a true proper deep voice that you know that speaks their language.' Flatley said he hears they concerns of 'average person on the street' and they are not 'happy right now', adding: 'Somebody has to speak for the Irish people.' He said he was not sure the role needed another politician, adding that he had spent three decades promoting Ireland and Irish culture. He said he had not been approached by any political party, but had been contacted by some '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 hardworking Irish taxpayer working as hard out and having no say in things.' Asked if he was leaning more in favour of running, he replied: 'Let it be said that I stand for Ireland and the Irish people.' To be eligible to run, 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 or at least four local authorities. Former or retiring presidents can nominate themselves. So far, two candidates have secured sufficient backing to enter the race. Mairead McGuinness, who was a TV presenter and farming journalist before becoming an MEP and EU commissioner, is the nominee to become Fine Gael's presidential candidate. Catherine Connolly, Independent TD for Galway West, has received the backing of the Social Democrats and People Before Profit, as well as independent TDs and Senators. Fianna Fail, the party with the most TDs in the Dail, has not clarified if it will run a candidate and is to make a decision in the early autumn. Sinn Fein has also not indicated a final decision on the race.
