Mná Sinn Féin lined up in bid for the Áras
Three women and a retiring TD in race to run against Michael D
THREE women politicians and a soonto-retire TD were being discussed in Sinn Féin circles as potential candidates for a presidential election last night.
With a 10-day process underway to decide how to select a candidate, there was uncertainty among senior members of the party about who that candidate for the prestigious position will be.
There was certainty, however, about one thing – the dirtiest, nastiest political contest is back.
The announcement by Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald that Sinn Féin will run a candidate ensures that sitting President Michael D Higgins will have to run for election if he wants another seven years in Áras an Uachtaráin.
Senior Sinn Féin sources told the Irish Mail on Sunday last night that the names being spoken about in the party are MEP Liadh Ní Riada; MEP Lynn Boylan, Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD and Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew.
There have been no in-depth discussions with potential candidates and there are names that the leadership would consider if they were to express enthusiasm. Other names will be considered, and it is possible that a figure from outside the party could be put forward.
At the moment Ms Ní Riada is considered the favourite of the party figures as she is understood to have expressed an interest. Ms Boylan MEP, according to party sources, is understood not to be very interested in running in the election.
‘Liadh has not ruled herself out, but we understand that Lynn is not that interested,’ said a Sinn Féin TD last night. ‘We are just at the start of the process so we will have to see who is the best to represent the party. ‘People have also spoken about Caoimhghín, but that is probably because he is not running for the Dáil again. He is hardly interested in a presidential run. It’s not an easy election.’ Cavan/Monaghan TD Mr Ó Caoláin announced in March that he will not be running for the Dáil again. Although he is due to turn 65 in September, he is more than a decade younger than incumbent Mr Higgins.
Until yesterday it was not certain that there would be a presidential election at all.
Mr Higgins announced this week that he intends to nominate himself as a candidate for the presidency as he is entitled to under the Constitution. Although a number of Independent politicians had expressed interest in running, they face a complex nomination process to secure a place on the ballot paper.
At a press conference yesterday Ms McDonald confirmed that Sinn Féin will be contesting the Presidential election. The Ard Comhairle has appointed a Presidential Election Committee to oversee the process of selecting a candidate.
The committee will be chaired by Waterford TD David Cullinane, to establish a process for selecting a candidate. This process is expected to be outlined in the next 10 days. A candidate will then be nominated in the coming months.
Party leader Mary Lou McDonald said it was important that an election be run so that young voters could have their say.
She noted that nobody under the age of 25 has had an opportunity to vote in a presidential election, adding they should not have to wait until they are 32 years old.
‘Ireland and the world have changed in the seven years since we last had a presidential election. A new generation has become politically engaged and have been central to changing Ireland for the
‘New generation that’s politically engaged’