He was aked but said it would cost too much. He’s not in a financial position to run at the moment.

Where’s Frank Dunlop when you need him??

I’m disappointed he didn’t run, although not even a zero vote in a presidential election would get it into his deluded, arrogant head the extent to which he is responsible for the state of our country.

Owen, the idea was to find out who people would vote for AT THIS STAGE, if they had a choice of all of the candidates whose names have been mentioned. No doubt we’ll run more polls on this topic in the future with a more ‘realistic scenario’. We do try to come up with interesting poll questions, but it’s impossible to please everybody unfortunately

Have you asked the public to suggest names?

The Marys have done us proud!

so what?? Isn’t it funny that many at these so called anti-war rallies have no problem supporting terrorist organisations??? If you are anti-war you should be anti-terrorism too.

It all depends on what ‘terrorism’ means to you. Say an aggressor invades another country portraying itself as a ‘liberator’ and all resistance is defined as ‘terrorism’. For the victims of the conflict, the invader is the terrorist and all armed struggle a legitimate action. Of course there are other types such as forces attacking a country from within, though normally funded by outside influence. But at the end of the day all such wars are funded by BORROWED MONEY. In my opinion it is the FINANCIERS who make these wars possible the real terrorists.

You’re absolutely right. Unforigveable oversight on my part. I’ve included her now. Thanks.

Dont worry Jennifer, its not that unforgivable…she wont have a hope anyway. The way FG are going by the time this election comes around her party will have the majority of citizens on the breadline, thats if this government is still intact and the country has not defaulted.

Jennifer it was on the radio yesterday that Dana was also running again this time :(

Sean Kelly declared before Mairead and isn’t on the list from what I can see..

Jennifer I note that Niall O’Dowd is not on your list though you carry an article about his declared intentions to seek a nomination

Try another poll now!!

what would Norris contribute that Michael D is not already standing for

The real difference is that Michael D is a statesman, who has thought deeply about certain core concepts about our failed Republic, and who has tried and will try to seriously politicize the Irish so that we actually understand what politics are. At present our state runs not in pursuit of goals, but in a lazy cheap clientelism which has brought us to the brink of ruin.

David Norris, whom I respect hugely, has much to offer Ireland. But I think that we should have Michael D for the next president, and Norris for the president after. David’s focus on equality is superb, but our country needs a structural political consciousness-raising, and I believe in good faith that Michael D is the man we need sooner rather than later.

Garrett & Michael – I agree that Michael D Higgins is without doubt one of the most admired politicians we have and in fact Michael D and David Norris has frequently worked together on various important projcts for Irish society. If I was really honest I think we would be lucky to have either but for me David Norris represents the strategic sharp political mindset combined with the track record in public life and energetic presence that is required by the redefined nature of the Irish Presidency. I’ve spoken to a good few people about this and similarly they see Michael D Higgins as a good candidate for President but David Norris gets a real strong enthusiastic reaction from those important swing voters who don’t have any real political affliations. The fact that Norris is running as an Independent I think helps his cause as I, like many others want the Presidency to be above party politics. But yes you are right I think the fight will probably boil down to one between David Norris and Michael D Higgins which I think is a fight worth having.

hidden gem??? He’s never out of our faces. National radio, local radio, TV, newspapers, magazines. How’s he hidden??

Bullshit!! What makes Sean Gallagher a FFer??????? The fact that he worked for Rory O’ Hanlon once??? How come Micheal Martin told his party to vote any way they like? What exactly makes Sean a FFer?? He was offered the chance to run in the last elections for FF and he didn’t. Robinson was a disaster. Michael D?? A wimpy little joke. BTW why don’t you post as yourself instead of an anonymous bullshit name??

Careful you don’t break your ‘question mark’ button. Why are you getting your knickers in such a twist?
What makes him a FFer? Ehh, perhaps the fact he has been active in the party ever since he was a MEMBER of Ógra FF. He was also Seamus Kirk’s director of elections in 2007 and has made no secret of his support for FF candidates down the years up to the last general election. He’s quite clearly a FFer. You’d have to be a bit thick to think otherwise.
If Martin told people to vote for him, it would be common knowledge that he was the FF candidate. They’re well aware FF is a toxic brand, which is the main reason Gallagher didn’t run for them in the general election, although he did consider it.

Norris is too self regarding and pompous. Michael D will give the office gravitas and purpose.

He dosent act like he is equal.He acts and sound like an elitist and WILL favour that class of person.A big mistake if he gets in.Time will tell..

Michael D.

To be honest lads, does it make a big difference who gets in?? It’s a ceremonial role largely, but the important point is that it is the political parties who decide who will be a candidate, so they tend only to let candidates through who have the same views they do and so bring a ‘don’t rock the boat’ attitude with them. Don’t expect much from whoever it is :(

I don’t agree with your jingoism but I love your description… :-)

That’s the only one I wouldn’t vote for

Fun Fact: TDs are also voted for by the public.

Fun Fact #2: You do have the right to vote for who gets to be President, as long as you’re entitled to vote. (Over 18, Irish citizen). (Granted you don’t get to nominate candidates, but they are selected by TDs and county-councils that you do get to vote for)

David Norris has stated that he never mentioned a desire to re-enter the commonwealth

That’s not what I heard;

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/republic-of-ireland-should-rejoin-commonwealth-says-senator-14814353.html

http://www.reform.org/site/2010/05/14/senator-david-norris-helps-with-dublin-launch-of-ireland-and-the-commonwealth/

http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/ireland-and-the-commonwealth-towards-membership/6378181

http://www.independentaustralia.net/2011/republic/of-the-queen-in-dublin-and-the-republic-of-ireland-in-the-commonwealth/

Watch this video Mark so you are properly informed rather than believing basically lies – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cujhI1cg6Gc&feature=player_embedded

Cheers, but I’ve already watch that self-promotional material from his website. Note the word Promotional, not independent reporting, where exactly are the lies can you point out?? Also, if the Belfast Telegraph is telling lies, surely Senator Norris would be suing for libel?

In regard to the launch of “Ireland and the Commonwealth” … no lies there, what can one say!

Mark – The paper retracted the comments/lies made and apologised to Senator Norris so no need to sue! And if you are so cynical that you can see the difference between someone genuinely putting his cards on the table on why they feel they should be President and someone with an agenda then I don’t think you’ll find anyone worth supporting.

“…putting his cards on the table..” you mean in regards to Ireland and the Commonwealth ?
I don’t think all candidates are supporters of joining the Commonwealth, so I’m sure I can find someone worth voting for!

Mark – The man himself has said “I would not support Ireland joining the Commonwealth” which he has stated time and time again since this ‘lie’ was printed and since which has been retracted by the paper. So where are you getting this from that he does want Ireland to rejoin the Commonwealth? It couldn’t be simplier – He says he doesn’t support it and you are saying he does! Its pretty clear to me and I think any objective person I am sure would agree with me so I can’t see where your difficulty is.

He’s on the election trail so I have to say he is fibbing!

Interesting – So anything he says you won’t believe. Well at least you are clear on the fact that you are completely closed to any reasonable argument. A close minded approach doesn’t always work out for the best but I wish you good luck and all the best with that.

if you think you know me from just a few comments here, you have a lot to learn young man! You better get busy handing out those election leaflets, BTW there are voters outside the Pale!

Actually the reults are pretty similar to those on a Liveline poll the other day, except for Michael D who was well behind both Norris and McAleese. So I’d say it’s pretty close to reality.

Martin McAleese – has worked behind the scenes on peace project – knows the ropes- and is respected by all.

Sean Gallagher- practical successful person with ideas.

Please, God, do not let us have boring people!

208 people give me a thumbs-down for admiring Norris but for thinking that we need a statesman like Michael D? That’s just weird. There’s nothing offensive about admiring one person but thinking that another would help our country more in the short term.

From looking at all the thumbs up & down, this is a Norris supporter’s thread!

Watch this video Victoria as your mistaken in your assumption – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cujhI1cg6Gc&feature=player_embedded

Attention Ronan Mooney! I believe you are an avid supporter & activist for Senator Norris, but instead of just posting his self-plugging video everywhere, please add something else to the thread!

Mark – Victoria’s comment directly related to my response i.e. It was stated that someone wanted to rejoin the commonwealth and to stop celebrating the 1916 rising. The video of David Norris speaks directly about both of these issues. So my comment wasn’t just valid its also relevant. I wasn’t reposting anything, everywhere! The comments was made and the response was subject relevant. If you can’t see the connection then the issue is with you and not anyone else. And yes I’m proud supporter of David Norris, your point?

Point is you’re constantly plugging Norris for president. This is a comments thread not an election leaflet.

Mark – I have posted comments about a Presidential candidate on a thread about the Presidential election. And like many others I’ve stated who I support. But unlike you it would seem I am able to accept other peoples points of view. Outside of our back and forth “banter” I’ve posted 3 comments. 2 to point out the actual truth behind newspaper ‘lies’ and 1 comment with why I am supporting the candidate of my choice. So if Jennifer O’Connell in her official capacity as authour of this article feels I am as you say “plugging” a candidate over anyone else she can remove my posts. That hasn’t happened yet so I presume that what I am saying is fine with her and everyone else for that matter.

Aaargh! This exchange relates to what Senator Norris actually said, as opposed to what it was reported he said.

If he stated, as has been clearly shown, that he does not wish Ireland back in the commonwealth, then that is what he said!

Who better than his own spokesman to clarify the matter?

And what better to add to the thread than the clear and unequivocal response to the accusation?

Sexism is dead. Long live sexism.