Latest news with #FlatleyWhiskey
Irish Daily Mirror
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Michael Flatley refuses to rule out presidential run - 'I stand for Ireland'
Michael Flatley has refused to rule himself out of running for Irish president in the upcoming election. The Riverdance and Lord of the Dance creator admitted that he has not yet made a decision on a potential presidential run but he declined to dismiss the possibility that he could make a bid to replace Michael D Higgins. Flatley, 67, responded to speculation during an interview with Brendan O'Connor on RTE Radio, where he revealed that several people have asked him about possible plans to run for president and he insisted that he takes such questions 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 feels "very blessed" that he often gets the opportunity to discuss current affairs with a wide variety of people while he conducts his daily business. He continued: "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." Flatley revealed that he has met some of the biggest names in modern politics and admitted that he has always made a point of championing Ireland in his discussions with world leaders. "I've met them all. I've met the Bushes, the Obamas, Trump, Putin," he said. "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." Leo Varadkar with Michael Flatley at the launch of Flatley Whiskey at The Round Room at Mansion House. Michael Flatley has launched Flatley Whiskey 'The Dreamer', his first signature Irish whiskey from a series of special blends, crafted in partnership with Ireland's esteemed Master Blender Noel Sweeney and distilled at the Great Northern Distillery. For more see Picture Brian McEvoy Flatley has not yet been formally approached by any political party but there have been some tentative talks by "some very weighted individuals people in the know". The former professional performer and choreographer explained how a presidential run is "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." Nominations for the next president are currently under way, with two candidates already announced. Fine Gael have put ex-EU Commissioner Mairead McGuinness forward and Catherine Connolly will run as an Independent. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
BreakingNews.ie
09-07-2025
- Business
- BreakingNews.ie
Michael Flatley being portrayed as a villain rather than a victim, his counsel tells court
Lord of the Dance star Michael Flatley is being portrayed in proceedings before the Commercial Court as 'a villain' rather than 'a victim of circumstances', his counsel told a judge on Wednesday. It was the second day of two applications before the court where a building contractor and insurance companies involved in carrying out works at the Flatley Castlehyde mansion are seeking to have the star put up €2.8 million security for costs before his action against them begins. Advertisement Mr Flatley's counsel, Ronnie Hudson SC, instructed by Maxwell Mooney solicitor, referred to what he called the characterisation of the entertainer by the other side in court. 'He is being portrayed as a villain rather than a victim, a victim of circumstances,' Mr Hudson said. The statement was made as the Flatley side sought to introduce a chartered accountant's valuation of the Flatley whiskey business, which the court had previously heard was worth in the region of €10 million. Andrew Fitzpatrick SC, for the underwriting and insurance defendants, objected to the new information being put before the court, and he said it was 'a naked attempt to upend this application.' Advertisement He said there was no evidence why the valuation was not available when documents were being exchanged in advance of the security for costs hearing. Counsel for building contractor Austin Newport, Stephen Dowling SC, said allowing the new document in at this stage could open up a collateral hearing on the basis of the €10 million valuation. Ms Justice Eileen Roberts said it was not obvious to her why the information was not put before the court when there were ongoing directions in place in relation to the exchange of documents. The judge said she did not want to completely derail the security for costs hearing, and she refused to admit the document. Advertisement Mr Hudson told the court that in the security for costs application, Michael Flatley was being faced with a bill for almost €3 million 'for defending himself.' In an affidavit opened to the court at the start of the hearing on Tuesday, Mr Flatley said the Lord of the Dance show is continuing to sell out venues worldwide, and he had spent the last 30 years of his life travelling the world promoting Ireland and Irish culture globally. He said Lord of the Dance has sold over €1 billion worth of tickets. Lord of the Dance, which he said had received 'a lifetime of standing ovations', has been valued 'at a conservative minimum of €200 million. Mr Flatley said his Statement of Affairs, which valued Lord of the Dance at €200 million, his whiskey business at €10 million and his Castlehyde mansion at €20 million, is accurate. He said he owns all of the rights and intellectual property for Lord of the Dance, and the valuation could be double the €200 million figure. Advertisement He said his liability is a €7.9 million mortgage on Castlehyde, which will be repaid from his business activities over the next two years. He said he agreed with the €20 million valuation on Castlehyde and he regarded the suggestion that a €10.5 million valuation by the defendants for the mansion is in any way credible as 'complete nonsense.' Mr Flatley, in the affidavit which was sworn last month, also said he 'intends to return to live in Ireland permanently as soon as possible.' In the main proceedings, the Riverdance performer claims he and his family had to vacate the Castlehyde period property in October 2023 after alleged toxic chemical residue was detected during routine maintenance. Mr Flatley is suing Austin Newport Group Ltd, the main contractor and insurance underwriters — MS Amlin Underwriting Ltd, AXA XL Underwriting Agencies LTD and Hamilton Managing Agency Limited, along with Lloyds Insurance Company. All of the allegations are denied. The application for security for costs continues.
