THE RACE for the Presidency will not begin until January 1st 1997, when the President Mrs Robinson, is expected to formally announce her future plans.
Already, a number of prominent Fianna Fail names have been mentioned as possible candidates. They include former Taoisigh Mr Charles Haughey and Mr Albert Reynolds, and former Ministers Ms Mary O'Rourke and Mr David Andrews. None of those mentioned are likely to commit themselves, however until after Mrs Robinson makes her position clear.
The President has been suggested as a possible successor to the Secretary General of the United Nations, Dr Boutros Boutros Ghali, but she has consistently denied any interest in the position. Last week in Belfast she said that she did not wish to be considered as a candidate.
A less high profile position at the UN might interest Mrs Robinson, however, and she is expected to spend the next eight months considering her position.
The Fianna Fail leader Mr Bertie Ahern, has asked his predecessor, Mr Reynolds, on two occasions whether he was interested in seeking a nomination. But Mr Reynolds has declined to commit himself formally, saying that it would be "inappropriate" for him to declare an interest until Mrs Robinson made her posit ion clear. His continuing high profile on Northern Ireland issues, however, is seen as evidence of his long term political intentions.
No overture has been made to Mr Haughey. Mr Ahern has conceded: "I deliberately haven't asked him. He hasn't engaged himself actively professionally since he retired, apart from his interest in the arts."
In political circles, mention of Mr Haughey as a potential candidate is seen as a "spoiling tactic" directed against Mr Reynolds, who deposed him as party leader. In these circumstances, the name of Mr Andrews, a former Minister for Foreign Affairs, has been mentioned as a possible compromise candidate. Ms O'Rourke, the deputy leader of Fianna Fail, is also seen as a formidable contender.
