Latest news with #Flatley
STV News
an hour ago
- Politics
- STV News
Riverdance star Michael Flatley to run for Irish presidency
Riverdance star Michael Flatley is to seek a nomination to become Ireland's next president, a court has heard. The dancer and choreographer will move back to Ireland in the next two weeks and 'intends to seek nominations to run for president of Ireland,' his lawyer has announced. Barrister Ronnie Hudson made the announcement during a High Court case he has taken in relation to works carried out at his mansion in Co Cork, the Castlehyde. An affidavit, signed by Flatley's solicitor Maxwell Mooney, was submitted to the court stating that the Irish-American is 'to seek nominations to run for president of Ireland'. Lord Of The Dance star Flatley, who is eligible to run as an Irish citizen, had strongly hinted at a presidential bid last week, but said he had not made a final decision. Michael Flatley performing at Madison Square Garden in New York in 2005 / Credit: AP He said during a radio interview that he did not believe the Irish people 'have a voice – not a true proper deep voice that speaks their language'. Flatley said he hears concerns from the 'average person on the street' and they are not 'happy right now'. 'Somebody has to speak for the Irish people,' he said. He was in Ireland earlier this month where he performed on a flute at a July 4 celebration hosted at the residence of the US Ambassador to Ireland, Edward Walsh, who was recently appointed to the role by Donald Trump. An election for the largely ceremonial president 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. To be eligible to run, a candidate must be an Irish citizen who is 35 or older, and must be nominated either by at least 20 members of the Irish parliament or at least four local authorities. So far, two candidates have secured sufficient backing to enter the race former farming journalist and EU commissioner Mairead McGuinness, former Galway mayor Catherine Connolly. Several other figures have hinted at their intention to run, including MMA fighter Conor McGregor, who has criticised the Irish Government's policies on immigration and public safety. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
The Journal
5 hours ago
- Politics
- The Journal
Michael Flatley is seeking a nomination for president, High Court told
RIVERDANCE STAR MICHAEL Flatley is to seek a nomination to become Ireland's next president, the High Court has heard. The choreographer's barrister made the announcement during a High Court case he has taken in relation to works carried out at his mansion in Co Cork, the Castlehyde. Barrister Ronnie Hudson notified the court of a 'material change in circumstances' for Flatley, and said he is to move back to Ireland within the next 14 days and look to run in the presidential election this autumn. An affidavit, signed by Flatley's solicitor Maxwell Mooney, was submitted to the court stating that the Irish-American is 'to seek nominations to run for president of Ireland'. Advertisement Only earlier this month , Flatley had been coy about the possibility about standing for president but said he had not made a final decision. The Lord Of The Dance star, who is a duel American and Irish citizen, had told RTÉ Radio One's Brendan O'Connor that he had been approached by many people who asked about his intentions to run. At that point he had 'not made the decision' but said the idea of standing for president was something he 'takes seriously'. '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 told the radio programme. Flatley said he hears concerns from the 'average person on the street' and they are not 'happy right now'. 'Somebody has to speak for the Irish people,' he said. 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
Metro
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Riverdance's Michael Flatley makes bizarre bid to become Irish president
Riverdance star Michael Flatley will seek nomination to become Ireland's next president. The 67-year-old choreographer, who stopped performing in his late 50s, intends to move back to Ireland in the next two weeks ahead of a runin this autumn's election. His plans were confirmed by his barrister during a hearing for an Irish High Court case relating to works underway at his mansion in Cork. The American-born star, who created a number of hit shows credited with reinventing traditional Irish dance, is eligible to run thanks to his Irish citizenship. The presidency of the Republic of Ireland is a largely ceremonial role currently held by Michael D Higgins. The 84-year-old's term ends in November and, having served two terms already, he cannot run again. Flatley's run would follow a number of past attempts by celebrities with no political experience. In 2018, when the last election was held, three former and current judges from Ireland's version of Dragon's Den ran against President Higgins. Mr Flatley's entry in the race is not guaranteed: he would have to hit a threshold of nominations from either members of Ireland's parliament or its county or city councils. An affidavit signed by his solicitor states he is 'to seek nominations'. The election must take place in the 60 days before President Higgins' term ends, and is expected to be held in late October. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: One killed in Listeria outbreak sparking urgent recall on supermarket ready meals MORE: Family who won £216,000,000 on EuroMillions reveal how they will spend jackpot MORE: Nearly 60,000 air fryers urgently recalled due to risk that could cause 'injury or death'
Irish Daily Mirror
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Michael Flatley to make bid for Irish presidency, court told
Riverdance star Michael Flatley is to seek a nomination to become Ireland's next president, a court has heard. The choreographer's barrister made the announcement during a High Court case he has taken in relation to works carried out at his mansion in Co Cork, the Castlehyde. Barrister Ronnie Hudson notified the court of a "material change in circumstances" for Flatley, and said he is to move back to Ireland within the next 14 days and look to run in the presidential election this autumn. An affidavit, signed by Flatley's solicitor Maxwell Mooney, was submitted to the court stating that the Irish-American is "to seek nominations to run for president of Ireland". Lord Of The Dance star Flatley, who is eligible to run as an Irish citizen, had strongly hinted at a presidential bid last week, but said he had not made a final decision. Michael Flatley attends "Lord Of The Dance: Dangerous Games" Cast visits The Tree At Rockefeller Center at Rockefeller Center on December 11, 2015 in New York City He said during a radio interview that he did not believe the Irish people "have a voice - not a true proper deep voice that speaks their language". Flatley said he hears concerns from the "average person on the street" and they are not "happy right now". "Somebody has to speak for the Irish people," he said. He was in Ireland earlier this month where he performed on a flute at a July 4 celebration hosted at the residence of the US Ambassador to Ireland, Edward Walsh, who was recently appointed to the role by Donald Trump. 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. 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 Irish parliament or at least four local authorities. So far, two candidates have secured sufficient backing to enter the race: former farming journalist and EU commissioner Mairead McGuinness, who is the Fine Gael nominee; and Catherine Connolly, a left-wing independent and former Galway mayor who has received the backing of opposition parties and independents. Several other figures have hinted at their intention to run, including MMA fighter Conor McGregor, who has criticised the Irish Government's policies on immigration and public safety. At the High Court on Friday, defence barristers in Flatley's case argued against the affidavit being accepted by the court, and stated that it was an attempt by Flatley to "move the goalposts". Flatley had strongly hinted at a presidential bid last week, but said he had not made a final decision (Image: (Photo by Walter McBride/WireImage)) Andrew Fitzpatrick SC said Flatley had said before in 2024 that he intended to move to Paris and then Valencia. "That didn't happen," he told the court. He also said that if the court was prepared to admit the affidavit, it would undermine previous assertions made by Flatley's side that the reason he is living in Monaco and cannot return to the state is because of the condition of the Castlehyde. Ms Justice Eileen Roberts said that as Flatley's residence "is so central to the issue of security of costs" in the case, she would allow the affidavit to be taken into account, but said she "entirely" heard submissions made by the defence about the characteristics of the affidavit and what weight it should be afforded. She said she expected the judgment in relation to the costs application to be delivered in a "reasonably short period", and that it would be given "shortly after" the end of the courts term. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
Leader Live
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Leader Live
Michael Flatley to make bid for Irish presidency, court told
The choreographer's barrister made the announcement during a High Court case he has taken in relation to works carried out at his mansion in Co Cork, the Castlehyde. Barrister Ronnie Hudson notified the court of a 'material change in circumstances' for Flatley, and said he is to move back to Ireland within the next 14 days and look to run in the presidential election this autumn. An affidavit, signed by Flatley's solicitor Maxwell Mooney, was submitted to the court stating that the Irish-American is 'to seek nominations to run for president of Ireland'. Lord Of The Dance star Flatley, who is eligible to run as an Irish citizen, had strongly hinted at a presidential bid last week, but said he had not made a final decision. He said during a radio interview that he did not believe the Irish people 'have a voice – not a true proper deep voice that speaks their language'. Flatley said he hears concerns from the 'average person on the street' and they are not 'happy right now'. 'Somebody has to speak for the Irish people,' he said. He was in Ireland earlier this month where he performed on a flute at a July 4 celebration hosted at the residence of the US Ambassador to Ireland, Edward Walsh, who was recently appointed to the role by Donald Trump. 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. 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 Irish parliament or at least four local authorities. So far, two candidates have secured sufficient backing to enter the race: former farming journalist and EU commissioner Mairead McGuinness, who is the Fine Gael nominee; and Catherine Connolly, a left-wing independent and former Galway mayor who has received the backing of opposition parties and independents. Several other figures have hinted at their intention to run, including MMA fighter Conor McGregor, who has criticised the Irish Government's policies on immigration and public safety. At the High Court on Friday, defence barristers in Flatley's case argued against the affidavit being accepted by the court, and stated that it was an attempt by Flatley to 'move the goalposts'. Andrew Fitzpatrick SC said Flatley had said before in 2024 that he intended to move to Paris and then Valencia. 'That didn't happen,' he told the court. He also said that if the court was prepared to admit the affidavit, it would undermine previous assertions made by Flatley's side that the reason he is living in Monaco and cannot return to the state is because of the condition of the Castlehyde. Ms Justice Eileen Roberts said that as Flatley's residence 'is so central to the issue of security of costs' in the case, she would allow the affidavit to be taken into account, but said she 'entirely' heard submissions made by the defence about the characteristics of the affidavit and what weight it should be afforded. She said she expected the judgment in relation to the costs application to be delivered in a 'reasonably short period', and that it would be given 'shortly after' the end of the courts term.
