I tuned into the Irish Presidential debate online due to boredom/lazines/other recently. They really have a sorry set of candidates. I understand its not a particularly important job but all the same there is a hefty salary involved for whoever is elected. So the government Fine Gael candidate seems like a decent guy but he is incredible dull and seems unsuited for the position. His constant sniping at controversial republican candidate Martin Mcguinness makes him look silly most of the time as Mcguinness is well used to dealing with flak.
Speaking of Mcguinnes I’m shocked how well he is doing in the polls, surely he cant win?. Miriam O Callaghan tore him apart last night in the debate. He actually looked a little shocked which was a surprise. Michael D Higgins probably came out on top against the poor opposition. While most of the other candidates probably went backwards, Michael D held steady and looks a good bet for the job.
I couldn’t believe how much waffle the dragons den Sean guy was spouting. He claims not to be a politician but he certainly has the lingo down. How he plans to make more jobs for Ireland as president no one seems to know. As O Callaghan put it to him – you will not be in Richard Bruton’s position so have no real power when it comes to creating jobs. Mcguinness waffled on similarly about creating work pointing to his past record in Northern Ireland while again ignoring the fact that he was going for the presidency not the government.
The female candidates Mary Davis and Dana were fairly quiet on the night. The debate ended bizarrely for Dana when she spoke of revelations which were due to appear in the press soon. She refused to be drawn on what they were despite being pressed hard and seemed visibly upset. She then seemed to quit and then re-enter the race. She left through the side door ans was whisked away in a car hire to avoid a confrontation with the waiting media.
David Norris has endured the most high profile campaign of all after dropping out amid allegations regarding a former lover. He is now firmly back in the race but the once favourites popularity appears to be dwindling. I though he was unconvincing last night and will have his work cut out too win over enough votes to be president.