Latest news with #Flatley
The Journal
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Journal
Would you vote for the Lord of the Dance to be President of Ireland?
IT WAS REPORTED yesterday that Michael Flatley is seeking a nomination to become President of Ireland. The Riverdance star's intentions were revealed in the High Court as part of a case he had taken in relation to work carried out at his mansion in Cork. Advertisement When asked about his intentions earlier this month , Flatley was coy. He said at the time: '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.' So we want to know: Would you vote for Michael Flately to be president? Poll Results: No (1401) Yes (280) Unsure (85) I'd give him a nod, but not my first preference (75) Yes No Unsure I'd give him a nod, but not my first preference Vote
Irish Examiner
5 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
Lighten Up: Auld Lehane for president
I threw my hat into the cattle ring at Macroom mart last Saturday afternoon, thus announcing to the world my intention to run for president of Ireland. Granted, my action startled a few bullocks. But I felt this was a small price to pay for the sake of the nation. My hat is in the ring now, and that's the end of it. Over the next few days, I will get busy packing my bags in preparation for my new life in Áras an Uachtaráin. And I'm looking forward to it too, there would be no point in me saying otherwise. I will miss Kilmichael for sure, but just as an outwintered bullock finds comfort and warmth in a clean dry house, I will adjust to my new life in the Phoenix Park. And as for the other candidates in the race, well let's just say they are not a concern of mine. Without wanting to blow my own trumpet, or sound too cocky, but like Red Rum announcing his intention to run in a donkey derby, my victory is all but guaranteed. To say I'm the best man for the job is an understatement. When faced with the might of auld Lehane, I suspect most contenders will simply step aside, or wither away. The only one I fear is Flatley. Flatley, with his feet of flames, is the one fellow who could pip auld Lehane to the presidential post. We both come from the land you see, and my fear would be we will split the farmer vote between us, thus reducing my chances of overall decisive victory. But hopefully now Flatley will back away too, on hearing of my electoral gallop. And, of course, while the new job does excite me, I still have a few questions about the role. For instance, can one hold on to one's herd number and be president of Ireland at the same time? I mean it would be a bit embarrassing if I went to the mart and threw a few bids on cattle, only to discover that as head of state, I can no longer purchase stock. After throwing my hat into the ring last week, it would be rough justice indeed. Also, I wonder how busy is the life of an Irish president during the summer months? Or around silage season to be more specific. Yerra, it would be great if I could get a week or two off in June or July to haul in a bit of silage. I'm not looking for the whole summer, only a few days during a dry spell. And finally, I wonder would it be possible for me to move to the Áras immediately? November, and the election, is a long way off, and is a quare time of the year to be moving house. It would be far better to move now, when the days are long, so that I could give a glance around the grounds to see if a slate is loose or a hinge needs oiling. The election is only a formality anyhow. And with victory virtually guaranteed, I would like to hit the ground running. And speaking of running, don't forget come November to give auld Lehane your number one. For remember, a vote for auld Lehane is a vote for me.
STV News
6 days ago
- Politics
- STV News
Riverdance star Michael Flatley to run for Irish presidency
Riverdance star Michael Flatley is to seek a nomination to become Ireland's next president, a court has heard. The dancer and choreographer will move back to Ireland in the next two weeks and 'intends to seek nominations to run for president of Ireland,' his lawyer has announced. Barrister Ronnie Hudson made the announcement during a High Court case he has taken in relation to works carried out at his mansion in Co Cork, the Castlehyde. An affidavit, signed by Flatley's solicitor Maxwell Mooney, was submitted to the court stating that the Irish-American is 'to seek nominations to run for president of Ireland'. Lord Of The Dance star Flatley, who is eligible to run as an Irish citizen, had strongly hinted at a presidential bid last week, but said he had not made a final decision. Michael Flatley performing at Madison Square Garden in New York in 2005 / Credit: AP He said during a radio interview that he did not believe the Irish people 'have a voice – not a true proper deep voice that speaks their language'. Flatley said he hears concerns from the 'average person on the street' and they are not 'happy right now'. 'Somebody has to speak for the Irish people,' he said. He was in Ireland earlier this month where he performed on a flute at a July 4 celebration hosted at the residence of the US Ambassador to Ireland, Edward Walsh, who was recently appointed to the role by Donald Trump. An election for the largely ceremonial president role is expected towards the end of October, as it must take place in the 60 days before outgoing President Michael D Higgins's term ends on November 11. To be eligible to run, a candidate must be an Irish citizen who is 35 or older, and must be nominated either by at least 20 members of the Irish parliament or at least four local authorities. So far, two candidates have secured sufficient backing to enter the race former farming journalist and EU commissioner Mairead McGuinness, former Galway mayor Catherine Connolly. Several other figures have hinted at their intention to run, including MMA fighter Conor McGregor, who has criticised the Irish Government's policies on immigration and public safety. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
The Journal
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Journal
Michael Flatley is seeking a nomination for president, High Court told
RIVERDANCE STAR MICHAEL Flatley is to seek a nomination to become Ireland's next president, the High Court has heard. The choreographer's barrister made the announcement during a High Court case he has taken in relation to works carried out at his mansion in Co Cork, the Castlehyde. Barrister Ronnie Hudson notified the court of a 'material change in circumstances' for Flatley, and said he is to move back to Ireland within the next 14 days and look to run in the presidential election this autumn. An affidavit, signed by Flatley's solicitor Maxwell Mooney, was submitted to the court stating that the Irish-American is 'to seek nominations to run for president of Ireland'. Advertisement Only earlier this month , Flatley had been coy about the possibility about standing for president but said he had not made a final decision. The Lord Of The Dance star, who is a duel American and Irish citizen, had told RTÉ Radio One's Brendan O'Connor that he had been approached by many people who asked about his intentions to run. At that point he had 'not made the decision' but said the idea of standing for president was something he 'takes seriously'. '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 told the radio programme. Flatley said he hears concerns from the 'average person on the street' and they are not 'happy right now'. 'Somebody has to speak for the Irish people,' he said. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Metro
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Riverdance's Michael Flatley makes bizarre bid to become Irish president
Riverdance star Michael Flatley will seek nomination to become Ireland's next president. The 67-year-old choreographer, who stopped performing in his late 50s, intends to move back to Ireland in the next two weeks ahead of a runin this autumn's election. His plans were confirmed by his barrister during a hearing for an Irish High Court case relating to works underway at his mansion in Cork. The American-born star, who created a number of hit shows credited with reinventing traditional Irish dance, is eligible to run thanks to his Irish citizenship. The presidency of the Republic of Ireland is a largely ceremonial role currently held by Michael D Higgins. The 84-year-old's term ends in November and, having served two terms already, he cannot run again. Flatley's run would follow a number of past attempts by celebrities with no political experience. In 2018, when the last election was held, three former and current judges from Ireland's version of Dragon's Den ran against President Higgins. Mr Flatley's entry in the race is not guaranteed: he would have to hit a threshold of nominations from either members of Ireland's parliament or its county or city councils. An affidavit signed by his solicitor states he is 'to seek nominations'. The election must take place in the 60 days before President Higgins' term ends, and is expected to be held in late October. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: One killed in Listeria outbreak sparking urgent recall on supermarket ready meals MORE: Family who won £216,000,000 on EuroMillions reveal how they will spend jackpot MORE: Nearly 60,000 air fryers urgently recalled due to risk that could cause 'injury or death'
