SPORTS BROADCASTER Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh has ended speculation about his presidential ambitions by announcing that he will not be a candidate in the election.
In a statement issued in Irish and English last night, Mr Ó Muircheartaigh said: “I do not intend to contest the forthcoming election.” He said he was “honoured and humbled that so many people from all sections of society should have contacted me offering support and assistance” and he wished to thank them “for their kind offers”.
He concluded in Irish only: “Creidim gur chun leasa ár dtíre é Uachtarán a bheith mar chuid den gcóras bunreachtúil agus guím gach rath ar na h-iarrthóirí uilig.” In an Irish Times translation this reads: “I believe it is in the best interest of our country to have a president as part of the constitutional system and I wish every success to all the candidates.”
Speculation that the popular broadcaster, who celebrated his 81st birthday last week, might run as an Independent candidate grew after it became clear that his former RTÉ colleague Gay Byrne would not be running.
Mr Ó Muircheartaigh is expected to outline the background to his decision on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland and Raidió na Gaeltachta’s Adhmhaidin between 8am and 9am today.
Meanwhile, Independent candidate Seán Gallagher has said he is not seeking the endorsement of Fianna Fáil but would welcome the support of his former party.
Separately, the divided state of opinion within Fianna Fáil is being reflected in an online Facebook discussion group but the party press office said this was not an official outlet.
Another Independent candidate, Mary Davis, said in a statement that the office of the presidency could “play a real role in repairing Ireland’s reputation on the international stage”.
Speaking to The Irish Times yesterday, Mr Gallagher said: “The presidency is not a trophy for a political party. The president represents everybody in the country and therefore the debate needs to move away from party politics.”
On the current deliberations in Fianna Fáil about whether to run its own candidate or support someone else in the race, he said: “As an Independent candidate, I am not seeking the endorsement of any political party. I have chosen to seek nominations from four county councils but I would certainly welcome support from all political parties and none.”
When it was put to him that, as a former member of the Fianna Fáil national executive, he would be the logical person for the party to support, he replied: “I would welcome the support of all political parties. That’s a matter for the parties and the electorate.”
Fianna Fáil strategy is being hotly debated by the “FF Facebook Discussion Group” but the party press office stressed that was not an official party web page.
A contributor called “Golden Oliver” wrote: “Eamon de Valera would be turning in his grave over Fianna Fáil not contesting an election in Ireland for the first time, I think Micheál Martin should be ashamed of himself.”
Mary Davis said the next president could “play a real role in repairing Ireland’s reputation on the international stage and encouraging the development of a more respectful, fair and equal society at home”.
Ms Davis was responding to a proposal from author and historian Tim Pat Coogan that the presidency should be abolished as a cost-saving measure.