Furthermore
By Gerry Moran
So, I’m thinking of running for the Presidency. And why not – sure every Tom, Dick and Conor are thinking of running. Wouldn’t be surprised if the Monk runs. After all he did a spot of running during the local elections.
And what do you know about politics, Gerry? Not a lot to be honest – a lot less than most but maybe a bit more than others. But first off: Who can run for president? To be eligible you must be an Irish citizen and have reached the age of 35. So far, so good. Once these two requirements are met you must receive the support of at least 20 members of the Oireachtas or the backing of at least four local authorities – city or county councils. Mmm. Might be in a bit of bother there. A lot of bother. If you meet these criteria you officially become a candidate for president and your name goes on the ballot sheet come election time. The election, I believe, will take place on, or up to, 60 days before November 11.
Oh, and if you’re a former or current president who wishes to run for a second term you can nominate yourself and put yourself forward for re-election. That’s handy. Michael D, our President, won’t be doing that as he has already served two terms, the maximum a president can serve (the term of the presidency is seven years). If a sitting president resigns, is removed from office, becomes incapacitated or dies, then an election must be held within 60 days. Erskine Childers was the only president to die in office, in 1974. Two presidents resigned from office: Mary Robinson in 1997 and Cearbhall Ó Dálaigh in 1976 (and many of us remember the ignorant ‘thundering disgrace’ remark that led to his resignation).
While I’m on the topic here’s a roll-call of all our presidents: 1. Douglas Hyde (1938-1945). 2. Seán T O’Kelly (1945-1959). 3. Eamon de Valera (1959-1973). 4. Erskine Childers (1973-1974). 5. Cearbhall O Dálaigh (1974-1976). 6. Patrick Hillery (1976-1990).
7. Mary Robinson (1990-1997). 8. Mary McAleese (1997-2011). 9. Michael D Higgins (2011-2025).
So, what with Michael D not in the running, it’s all to play for! It’s worth noting that the candidates are hit with a €750,000 campaign spending limit which must be accounted for by the Standards in Public Office Commission (SIPO). Damn it. I was thinking of throwing a million into my campaign – after all it would take some bulky brown envelopes to grease the palms of those 20 Oireachtas members whose support I’ll need.
Am I suggesting bribery? Good God, no. What do you take me for? I am simply referencing that trusted, age-old adage: money talks. And supports!
And who can vote for president? To vote, a person must be an Irish citizen and be 18 or older by the time of the election. They must also be ordinarily resident in Ireland and must be registered to vote. And who can vote twice? I’m not going there. Besides, I don’t think that voting for a president merits such ‘enthusiasm.’
Oh, and if by any chance I am elected to the high office of the Presidency of Ireland – here are a few of my plans. I won’t live in the Áras – I’ll build a cabin (with planning permission, of course) out the back and offer accommodation to as many of our homeless as can be fitted in. I’ll erect a modest bicycle shed out front for all those cyclists passing through the Phoenix Park to park up and enjoy a cup of evening tea, or coffee, free gratis (though I’ll feel obliged to charge a tariff of €25 for all American visitors) on the lawn. Every Friday night, weather permitting, I’ll erect a great outdoor screen and show some classic Irish movies – The Quiet Man, Ryan’s Daughter, My Left Foot etcto as many as can be accommodated.
Saturday nights I, personally, will host bingo for our Senr Citizens with complimentary tea and Marietta biscuits. Furthermore, if elected I guarantee that I will Make Ireland Great Again – MIGA (watch out for the slogan)
