I have no grand messages for the people of Ireland

Letter of the Day
Letter of the Day
Wed Jul 16 2025 - 00:05

Sir, – I wonder if the people of Ireland would like an ordinary Joe Soap as president.

Somebody like me, for instance.

I am not well known. I am not a member of any party. My achievements in life are extremely modest. I am not very articulate. I can’t write for nuts.

I have no grand messages for the people of Ireland. I am neither rich nor poor, though closer to poor.

READ MORE

Budget 2026: What will it mean for the average earner in Ireland?

Nothing really terrible can happen to you while having a little sit-down. With a biscuit

Mary Kate O’Flanagan: Moving home to Ireland was the best thing I ever did

Joe Canning: Half-time decisions or lack of them looks like a mistake on Cork’s part now

I can’t imagine anything I would do or say as president would offend any ordinary person like myself.

I would continue to live in my modest home. The Áras could be converted into apartments for poor people. And 90 per cent of my salary would go to community groups.

I would receive foreign dignitaries in my home as I receive all guests and visitors (I make a mean lemon cake).

Don’t all trample over each other in your rush to nominate me. – Yours, etc,

TOM KELLY,

Broadstone,

Dublin 7.