Latest news with #ÁrasanUachtaráin
Sunday World
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sunday World
Drag queen Panti Bliss shuts down rumours of joining presidential race
That was just me being silly, says drag star Panti will not be running for the presidency Drag queen Panti Bliss has poured water on a mischievous hint she might join the race to become the next President. Panti, whose alter ego is publican Rory O'Neill, had a sold-out audience at a show in Dublin last weekend whooping in delight at her initial announcement. 'Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Vicar Street. And welcome to Riot. 'My name is Panti Bliss, the next President of Ireland.' Her 'prediction' was met with deafening roars of approval and whoops from the cheering crowd. President Michael D Higgins But last night Panti played down any move by her at throwing her hat in the ring to replace Michael D. Higgins in Áras an Uachtaráin. 'That was just me being silly,' Rory told us. The Mayo man, who co-owns Panti Bar and Penny Lane gay pubs in Dublin city centre, was at the centre of the gay marriage referendum 10 years ago. Panti's 'Noble Call' speech in Dublin's Abbey Theatre in February 2014, in response to a freedom of speech row about an appearance she made on RTÉ , has been viewed over one million times and was seen as a galvanising call for gay rights. The 56-year-old self-styled 'Queen of Ireland' has since won several awards for his activism, including an honorary doctorate from Trinity College for his contribution to LGBT rights and marriage equality. If Panti/Rory had genuinely decided to run for the Presidency it would have been the most high profile openly gay candidate since David Norris's failed bid in the 2011 campaign. Mairead McGuinness Catherine Connolly President Michael D Higgins' 14-year term ends on November 11, with a date in late October mooted for polling day. Initial favourite to succeed him is former MEP Mairead McGuinness. The 66-year-old from Ardee Co Louth is almost certain to be Fine Gael's candidate in the upcoming election. Independent TD Catherine Connolly has also launched her bid for the Áras. The 68-year-old has been garnering support from left-leaning parties, including the Social Democrats and People Before Profit, and a number of independents. But the Galway woman recently landed in hot water when it emerged she gave backing to former journalist turned right-wing conspiracy theorist Gemma O'Doherty's candidacy in the last Presidential election. Panti will not be running for the presidency Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 27th
The Irish Sun
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Presidency bid, new Eurovision plans with twist and why I won't leave RTE… Dustin the Turkey spills all
FROM becoming Ireland's next President to taking over Joe Duffy's Liveline job, Dustin the Turkey is no chicken as he has revealed his ambitious plans for total domination. The beloved Irish puppet has been a TV legend for over three decades - and believes he deserves the top jobs "after all I've given Ireland". 5 Dustin the Turkey has revealed his plans to become President of Ireland Credit: Free for editorial use 5 The TV legend recently joined Chadwicks celebrations with Irish boxer Jack Marley Credit: PR handout 5 And he shared that he could take over Liveline and join Eurovision again while in Áras an Uachtaráin Despite being a puppet, Dustin has achieved a status only few in Irish entertainment can claim - becoming an iconic media personality known by generations. His career began in 1989 on the popular show The Den, and he went on to become, in his own words, the longest-serving turkey on RTE. The plucky personality told the Irish Sun: 'It's one of them where it's a pleasure to have entertained two generations, three generations growing up in Ireland - teaching them all of the building tricks that I have. 'It's all about giving a bit of humour and a bit of confidence, along with those two British lads who sold us out in Ireland - Zig and Zag but we won't mention them. 'They went off to Channel 4 and took the queen's shilling, leaving me on my own. 'But I stick to the people, I have more Wolfe Tone CDs than the Wolfe Tones - when they mention people like James Connolly and Padraig Pierce they'll mention Dustin Gertrude Hoffman Beethoven the third.' Being one of Ireland's most controversial satirical voices, Dustin has never been shy about taking the mick out of public figures like Bertie Ahern, And he said he makes sure to treat everyone fair in his remarks, as someone has to do it. Dustin, who is voiced by John Morrison, quipped: 'Now I won't mention Cat Deeley and I won't mention Patrick Kielty - but you have to be fair, I love all people. 'When you come on to The Den or if you come on to the radio with Dustin it's all just friendly fun. 'There's a couple of things we say like Ryan Tubridy who we call Mr Bean, or Alan Partridge or Pat Kenny who is like a plank of wood - but they're all true things.' 'POULTRY PARTY' And Dustin revealed there is still life in the old bird yet. The TV legend admitted that he might throw his wing into the ring again for the Irish During the 2010 Irish general election, he famously campaigned under the banner of the Poultry Party, advocating for policies like Bringing the Olympics to Termonfeckin. But this time, he said his presidential campaign promises would include learning the Irish language, bringing comedy to Áras an Uachtaráin and representing not just Ireland but also turkeys on a national level. Dustin said: 'I think it's a given; I know 'He does his Irish poems and I'm going to learn Irish for when I'm in Áras an Uachtaráin. "So when people come over from Azerbaijan and Columbia I'll be able to greet them as Gaelige. 'Áras an Uachtaráin is something I would certainly have my eyes on; I think I deserve it at this stage, after all I've given Ireland.' He also revealed ambitions to return to Eurovision, confident that he still has what it takes to entertain 'BEAUTIFUL VOICE' Dustin famously represented Ireland in the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest with the song Irelande Douze Pointe, an entry that remains both memorable and controversial. And he said it's only a matter of time before RTE ask him to compete for Ireland again. The top turkey said: 'Now Dana went for president and she did the Eurovision, but the difference is she can't sing and she's not the president. 'Now I've got a beautiful voice, I think I could be the president and a Eurovision star at the same time. 'But I wouldn't represent Ireland next time; I would represent Turkey. 'You don't have to win it, I don't think anyone in Ireland will be winning in for a long long time - unless we can dig up Johnny Logan and let him go again, I don't think we have a good chance at winning it.' 'VERY SIMPLE JOB' What's more, Dustin said he may even take over And although he said Joe did it well, Dustin thinks he could do it even better. He added: 'It would just be brilliant, it's only a matter of time again. It's a very simple job; I'd love it, 'Go ahead caller, go ahead caller'. 'I'd be president, represent Eurovision and Liveline - considering Joe ruled himself out for presidency it has left the door open for me. 'I've survived a lot of Christmases at this stage, there's a lot of turkeys at RTE that have survived them too - so I'll be sticking around and won't be going anywhere.' Dustin spoke his mind as he joined celebrations at the newly refurbished Chadwicks store in Sallynoggin, And he said with his past as a builder on RTE's The Den, there was no better man for this role too. Speaking to the Irish Sun, Dustin said: 'I'm a builder, I just want to get in and get out - but I'm telling you it's the dog's b***ocks. 'It's just absolutely amazing, I've had three cups of coffee so I'm buzzing - and for a turkey let me tell you that is very dangerous. 'I've also had two pasties that were absolutely delicious - I went in and bought a hammer, a saw and a gazebo and I don't even need to use any of them. 'Sallynoggin is a place that's in my heart; I love it more than even the Long Mile Road.' First opened in 1974, the Chadwick's branch now features a sleek doors & floors showroom, a revamped bathroom showroom, and a Paint Centre, along with a new smart home centre packed with the latest automation and security tech. Other new features include VELUX and Keylite rooflight displays, a full Brick and External Wall Insulation showcase and a Brick & Brew Co. coffee outlet. 5 Dustin revealed that he has his eyes on Áras an Uachtaráin next Credit: Alamy 5 And he wants Joe Duffy's job - there's no turkey bones about it Credit: Andres Poveda LTD
BreakingNews.ie
19-07-2025
- Politics
- BreakingNews.ie
Michael Healy-Rae rules himself out of presidential race after rumours
Michael Healy-Rae has ruled himself out of the presidential race after speculation that he could make a bid for Áras an Uachtaráin. Speaking on RTÉ's Saturday with Colm Ó Mongáin, the Minister of State ruled himself out. Advertisement It came after a interview with former minister Ivan Yates, who said Mr Healy-Rae could be a "dark horse" in the presidential race. Mr Healy-Rae said he had a "very clear focus" on serving as a TD for Kerry. When asked about rumours of a run from Michael Flatley , Mr Healy-Rae said he is 'excellent ambassador for our traditions of dance and music'. He added: "'He's a person that I know personally, and he's a very, very nice gentleman. I wish him every good luck in every endeavour that he would ever had, but you can be sure of one thing, whatever name is going to be on that piece of paper, it's not going to be me.' Advertisement In the interview, Mr Yates said: "One name I've picked up with my political antennae, who people believe would win if he ran is, believe it or not, Michael Healy-Rae. "What people said to me was, if there has to be another candidate other than Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and Catherine Connolly, what about Michael Healy-Rae? "This is from talking to people from all sorts of background, when I put it to them what do you think of the mad idea that the guy with the cap would run? They immediately said to me, both rural and Dublin, 'oh if he ran, he'd win'. "The Healy-Raes are seen as doers, it's distinctive. Even second generation people in Dublin would see the merit in it, and that he has not only name recognition but a brand as well."
BreakingNews.ie
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BreakingNews.ie
Michael D Higgins to release album of poetry recorded at Áras an Uachtaráin
President Michael D Higgins is set to release an album of poetry, which was recorded at Áras an Uachtaráin. 'Against All Certainty' features 10 original poems written and read by Michael D Higgins, with background music from Myles O'Reilly. Advertisement Claddagh Records said the album will be released on September 5th. Photo: Claddagh Records Although Against All Certainty will be the President's debut spoken word album. He has previously published four collections of poetry: The Betrayal; The Season of Fire; An Arid Season; and New and Selected Poems. Against All Certainty will be available on CD, vinyl, hardback book CD and digital, and is available to pre-order. Album critics have described the album as "a milestone in Irish poetry". Tracklist: The Truth of Poetry; Brothers; Katie's Song; Dark Memories; My Mother Married my Father in Mount Melleray in 1937; The Death of The Red Cow; Against All Certainty; The Betrayal; The Death of Mary Doyle; Stargazer.
RTÉ News
09-07-2025
- Politics
- RTÉ News
'Hero or villain' - Recap of turbulent presidential races
With the race for Áras an Uachtaráin heating up, a number of names are being touted to succeed Michael D Higgins as president of Ireland. Reports range from potentially strong runners to complete speculation and celebrity candidates, yet the race is still waiting on its first candidate to officially declare that they will be running. However, campaigns are likely to start gathering momentum ahead of the Irish public hitting the poles in November. RTÉ reporter Edel McAllister spoke to a previous candidate on the turbulence of the campaign trail and the public and media's role in challenging those that put their names forward. "While it was a heart-thumping, totally terrorising, and awful experience on one level, it was also the best thing I ever did," said former Senator Joan Freeman of her 2018 presidency campaign run. The former CEO of Pieta House ran on a mental health platform as an independent candidate. "I thought that by running it would allow me and the people of Ireland to look at mental health with compassion...a gateway for everyone to open up and speak about it," Ms Freeman said. She said she knew the campaign would be tough after the 2011 race. "Everybody that goes into it knows that they are up against it," she added. In that turbulent 2011 campaign, a false tweet broadcast on a TV debate derailed the campaign of Sean Gallagher, resulting in an apology and damages being paid by RTÉ to the businessman. Another early front runner, former Senator David Norris blamed elements of the media for sabotaging his campaign and spoke of the detrimental effect it had on his health. Other independent candidates such as Dana, Chernobyl campaigner Adi Roche and Special Olympics organiser Mary Davis also faced bruising campaigns. Speaking on the News at One, Joan Freeman said while it is "absolutely correct that the media should challenge candidates and make them accountable". She said they should also "hear their not slash their character". There's a lot of names in the current mix to succeed Michael D Higgins as president. Political parties are beginning their selection process but so far no candidates have formally declared. The 1997 presidency was the first time independents used four local authorities to nominate them. Although some parties selected candidates outside the party, such as Mary McAleese who went on to win the 1997 race and serve two terms. Ms Freeman says she understands why some candidates are maybe waiting to see who else will run. "I declared fairly early on because I thought Michael D Higgins wasn't going to run for the presidency again. "If I had known he was sounds as if I am a little bit bitter but I am not one bit. I absolutely get why candidates don't put their names forward because they are exposing themselves to be bruised and brutalised," she said. She added at the time that she wanted the chance to travel the length and breadth of the country to talk about mental health. She said while she would not be running again, she would advise anyone thinking of running "not to be afraid" but to "stay away from social media." "Online you are either a hero or a villain, there is no allowance for nuance," Ms Freeman said. But even long before the days of social media, the race was a tough one. "Presidential campaigns have always been intensely personal. If we look back to the early ones, these were often replays of the Civil War and you had very divisive campaigning and personalised attacks on candidates," said Professor of Politics at University College Cork Theresa Reidy. "One of the reasons why presidential elections are so personalised is because this is a position where powers are many cases the president is selling a narrative about who they are and how they can represent Ireland so it's very much about their personal story and as a consequence the focus comes in quite intensely on who the candidates are," Prof Reidy said. Those used to the rough and tumble of party politics might be slightly better prepared for the nature of the campaign, but even seasoned independents appear to be thinking twice before putting their heads above the parapet.
