Michael Flatley refuses to rule out presidential run - 'I stand for Ireland'
The Riverdance and Lord of the Dance creator admitted that he has not yet made a decision on a potential presidential run but he declined to dismiss the possibility that he could make a bid to replace Michael D Higgins.
Flatley, 67, responded to speculation during an interview with Brendan O'Connor on RTE Radio, where he revealed that several people have asked him about possible plans to run for president and he insisted that he takes such questions seriously.
"I've not made the decision, but I have a team of advisers that are advising me on this. I have a huge business to run," Flatley said.
"I have an army of dancers counting on me to make a living. I have a whiskey company, a beautiful young wife and son that I want to spend time with.
"If I thought that I could be of benefit to the Irish people and maybe more importantly, if I thought I could be a voice of the Irish people. Right now, I don't think they have a voice, not a true proper deep voice that you know that speaks their language."
Flatley feels "very blessed" that he often gets the opportunity to discuss current affairs with a wide variety of people while he conducts his daily business.
He continued: "I meet the average person on the street from five to 95. I meet them all and I hear their concerns. And I'd be lying if I said they're happy right now, and somebody has to speak for the Irish people.
"I'm not sure we need another politician... if I'm honest.
"It's a statesman's role, but I spent the last 30 years of my life touring the world promoting Ireland and Irish culture."
Flatley revealed that he has met some of the biggest names in modern politics and admitted that he has always made a point of championing Ireland in his discussions with world leaders.
"I've met them all. I've met the Bushes, the Obamas, Trump, Putin," he said.
"I've met the Clintons. I've met the king and queen of England. I've met the king and queen of Sweden and of Spain.
"I've met all those people on a more cultural front, more to promote the country. And I think maybe that's what the job of president is all about." Leo Varadkar with Michael Flatley at the launch of Flatley Whiskey at The Round Room at Mansion House. Michael Flatley has launched Flatley Whiskey 'The Dreamer', his first signature Irish whiskey from a series of special blends, crafted in partnership with Ireland's esteemed Master Blender Noel Sweeney and distilled at the Great Northern Distillery. For more see flatleywhiskey.com Picture Brian McEvoy
Flatley has not yet been formally approached by any political party but there have been some tentative talks by "some very weighted individuals people in the know".
The former professional performer and choreographer explained how a presidential run is "not something that I've made any decision on, but it does get frustrating when you see the hard-working Irish taxpayer working as hard out and having no say in things."
Nominations for the next president are currently under way, with two candidates already announced. Fine Gael have put ex-EU Commissioner Mairead McGuinness forward and Catherine Connolly will run as an Independent.
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