sinn Fein to contest presidency
tds ready to challenge Higgins
SINN Fein is set to contest the Presidential election with Pearse Doherty and Aengus O Snodaigh tipped to get the nomination.
This will pile pressure on Fianna Fail and Fine Gael to put forward candidates and enter the race too, something that some party big-wigs of both will not be happy with considering the cost implications.
Incumbent Michael D Higgins has yet to decide to go for another sevenyear term in Aras an Uachtarain.
If the popular 77-year-old does decide to go again, it is highly unlikely the two biggest parties would bother wasting money on a contest they would most likely lose.
Mr Higgins said he will let the public know by the end of the summer whether he wants another term as President.
The election is scheduled to take place at the beginning of November at the latest.
Independent senator Gerard Craughwell has stated that he is willing to stand so that voters will at least have some choice.
He needs the signatures of at least 20 Oireachtas members – TDS or senators – or the backing of four local authorities to sanction his run, which he says he has.
But it is the comments of Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou Mcdonald that have given the clearest indication yet the party will enter the fray.
Speaking at an Easter Rising commemoration she said: “That is something we need to decide on and it is something that we are going to have to decide on in the near future.
“I have said consistently that as a matter of principle, I think that Uachtarain na heireann that there should be an election.
“I don’t favour this idea that somebody just moves from one term of office into another automatically.
“I think it’s healthier to have the debate – not least because the campaigns allow for broader political debates than we have in general election campaigns.” MEP Lynn Boylan or Dublin TD Sean Crowe could also run.
Ms Mcdonald has ruled out her immediate predecessor as party leader Gerry Adams receiving the party’s endorsement.
She added: “I am saying that with great respect to Michael D Higgins. I think he has been tremendous.
“We don’t yet know his intentions and Sinn Fein hasn’t taken a decision on the matter.”
As a matter of principle I have said there should be an election
mary lou MCDONALD
Dublin, EASTER Sunday
IT is bad enough there are nearly 4,000 children in emergency accommodation, it has now emerged being homeless is having a devastating effect on their schooling.
Figures show around 35 youngsters are being forced to leave their homes every two days, more than the average-sized class.
The General Secretary of the Irish National Teachers Organisation Sheila Nunan highlighted the issue and warned the homelessness crisis is rapidly becoming an education crisis.
It is hardly surprising children forced to live in cramped hotel rooms are unable to study.
Ms Noonan urged Education Minister Richard Bruton and his department to recognise the problems.
If he and his Cabinet colleagues respond to her pleas in the same way they have responded to the housing crises she is wasting her breath.
It must never be forgotten that when Fine Gael came to power in 2011 the number of people in homeless shelters was 3,744 and of these 458 were children.
Last week the official figures revealed that the number without a home is approaching 10,000, including 3,755 kids.
On hearing the appalling figures last week the Taoiseach lamented it was “unbelievably frustrating” as if he did not have to power to address the situation.
The reality is Leo Varadkar and his party do not have the will.