Pat Finucane’s son could be Sinn Fein’s Irish presidential candidate

Ken McSwale: The headline should have read, “John Finucane, son of the late Pat Finucane, the lawyer shot dead in front of his wife and kids by loyalist terrorists acting in collusion with the British Government intelligence service MI5, is favourite to be Sinn Fein’s Irish presidential candidate.”

Nigel Burns: Yawn.

Pauline Ginley: Would not surprise me. Sinn Fein will use anybody for their own selfish ends. Said this before: John Finucane, in my opinion, was foolish to get involved with them in the first place. I have a great respect for many individuals within Sinn Fein, but have little respect for the leadership, or its lack of direction. This has only led to division within the party, copper-fastened partition in Ireland and pushed the problem, sadly, on to another generation.

Scott McDowell: There’s no doubt he fits the bill. Republican movement will use the usual victim mentality.

Ena Davison: Finucane doesn’t come from the south. Hope Mr Higgins (and his lovely wife) get the second term. They know how to conduct themselves. Good luck, sir.

Paul McCallion: Mary McAleese wasn’t from the south. What’s your point?

Colin McAlernon: Ena Davison, do you count people who were born in the north of Ireland as Irish or British?

Ena Davison: Colin McAlernon, it’s Northern Ireland. And people can now choose: Irish or British.

John Donnelly: This is a very good candidate and he would make an exceptional President of Ireland. Great man and great speaker, who upped the vote of Sinn Fein. If he doesn’t succeed this time — or if Sinn Fein choose another candidate and don’t succeed — then it’s merely a matter of time before one of their members do.

Patrick Joseph: Good pick.

Charlie Stewart: He would be unknown but for his father’s murder.

Ian Porter: Nothing like the sympathy card for the Shinners.