Fianna Fáil has not approached Michael Flatley to run for president, Taoiseach says
Michael Flatley. Picture: Brian McEvoy
Fianna Fáil has not sounded out Michael Flatley to run for President, the Taoiseach has said.
Mr Flatley last month told a court that he “intends to seek nominations to run for President"
An affidavit opened before Ms Justice Eileen Roberts in the Commercial Court in late July made the assertion, following on from speculation that the Irish-American would contest the upcoming presidential election.
His name has been mentioned in connection with Fianna Fáil, which has not yet selected a candidate.
Asked on Wednesday in Kerry if Mr Flatley has been asked to run, Micheál Martin was unequivocal.
"No. We haven't approached him."
Asked about his party's approach, Mr Martin said Fianna Fáil would "take soundings" over the month.
"I believe the presidency doesn't necessarily belong to any one party. I believe it belongs to the people of Ireland, and it's important that the person is elected who can bring honour and distinction to that office, both at home here in Ireland and overseas and Fianna Fáil certainly will be making a contribution to that debate."
Mr Martin was asked about an online petition from the former MMA fighter Conor McGregor which calls for changes to the criteria for nomination and whether his party's councillors would be permitted to abstain from such a vote.
McGregor, who last week lost his appeal against a High Court jury's finding that he raped Nikita Hand, made the announcement on social media on Monday evening.
Anyone who wishes to become president must secure nominations from at least 20 members of the Oireachtas or at least four local authorities.
McGregor is alleging that this "presents a significant barrier to democratic participation".
Mr Martin, however, said that the constitution was "robust".
"I'm not sure he's asked anybody. I mean, what happened in previous presidential elections? People went to county councils, and some got nominations from the requisite number of county councils. So the Constitution creates a pathway there for people to secure nomination through that route. The Constitution has proven to be very robust since its enactment in 1937 and we will continue to adhere to it."
