Gaybo let down has damaged Micheál Martin

Monday, 22 August 2011 12:40

Written by Tom Gillespie

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IT had to be a silly season story that Gay Byrne was considering contesting the presidential election.

Of course, we all know now he had not the stomach for such a battle, or was it that he realised such a contest would be fruitless?

His withdrawal has left Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin with egg on his face and has damaged his reputation, particularly at grass roots level.

Surely we don’t want a celebrity president or any other RTÉ candidate standing for the Áras.

This is a serious election and not a popularity contest among TV or radio personalities.

Since Mary Robinson dramatically changed the role of the presidency we don’t want to go back to the days of the Áras being a retirement home for ageing politicians, as it was in the past.

Mary Robinson and Mary McAleese injected a new impetus and importance to the office of President by bringing it to the people.

There are few communities nationwide that have not experienced a presidential visit.

Indeed, we had the pleasure of having President Robinson officially open our offices in April 1996.

During her term Mary McAleese honoured the national and regional press with a reception at ÁraS an Uachtaráin.

The office needs an action packed candidate with enthusiasm and new ideas to unite communities and restore a pride of place in what we are and where we came from.

Fianna Fáil has yet to formally select a candidate. The Gaybo let down has certainly damaged their standing and one wonders do they need to put forward a candidate at all.

MEP for Ireland South, Brian Crowley, formally declared his interest in contesting the October election for the party when he wrote to colleagues last month.

Crowley is a huge vote-catcher and would be popular among the party faithful.

We cannot forget Mayo independent candidate Mary Davis who has proved her popularity through her great work with the Special Olympics.

Many may suggest a third Mary in the Phoenix Park would be a Mary too many.

But what’s in a name? It is how a person adapts to and administers the office that counts.

No doubt there will be several other candidates in the race before the close of nominations so we will have to wait and see the final line out.

Machnamh na Seachtaine

Weekly Reflection

Bíodh do theanga i do phóca is do mhaide sa talamh.

Keep your tongue in your pocket and your stick in the ground.