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Michael Flatley Alamy Stock Photo
Exit stage left
Michael Flatley withdraws from race for the Áras, saying he needs to put health and family first
He did not elaborate on what health or family issues had arisen since he launched his campaign.
MICHAEL FLATLEY HAS withdrawn from the race for the presidency, saying he needs to put his family and health first.
The Riverdance creator’s candidacy announcement came in the unusual setting of the High Court in late July, when his barrister indicated he planned to return to Ireland and run for the Áras.
In a post on his Instagram account today, Flatley said he had decided not to run for president “at this time”.
“I am honoured by the encouragement and support I’ve received from so many people across Ireland over recent weeks, but I must put my family and my health first,” the choreographer wrote.
“I feel I can better serve the Irish people by continuing my work promoting Ireland and Irish culture globally.”
He did not elaborate on what health or family issues had arisen since he launched his campaign.
Flatley’s withdrawal comes on the same day that another candidate from outside the world of politics also announced their withdrawal from the race.
Former RTÉ weather presenter Joanna Donnelly said that her bit had been “naive”.
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