A few weeks ago I announced I was considering running for president of Ireland and that I would decide within a set time period.
After a couple of weeks of campaigning that still holds.
It will be one of the toughest decisions I have made.
On the plus side I have been deeply moved by the support of emigrant Irish everywhere, from the US to Australia to Canada and Britain.
I have heard from so many, saying how glad they are that we Irish abroad might finally have a voice.
That really hit home at the Top 50 Women of Influence event we hosted on Thursday of last week.
The goodwill and sense of solidarity was frankly, overwhelming.
I was also deeply encouraged by a four-day visit to Ireland and the sense that a new voice in the debate was very welcome.
I stressed jobs and a proactive Team Ireland approach that went over well.
People are sick of politicians over there, unfairly so perhaps in terms of the current candidates who had little to do directly with the Irish meltdown, so an outside voice is helpful.
On the minus side is the sheer logistical challenge such a bid presents, from moving back to Ireland for the campaign, to setting up a fully fledged campaign to going up against powerful parties which have election machinery in place.
Those concerns have moved from the abstract to the real and how they can be dealt with. It is a complex process, essentially involving a primary where you have to get 20 elected representatives to support you before the actual vote.
I am still knee deep in figuring all that out.
The candidacy so far has been interesting to say the least. Three articles, two in the Irish Times one in the Sunday Independent by British unionists attacking my candidacy was a fair indication of where the traditional hostility against Irish in America lies.
All seemed to want to fight the peace process all over again, not content with how it had worked out -- the singularly most successful political accommodation of the last half century in Europe.
I take great pride in playing a small part in achieving that
All other commentary apart from the wailing wall chorus was balanced, much of it very favorable, so I can't complain.
There have been moments of great light relief too I have to say. I notice tonight Paddy Power bookmakers has now included me at 66/1 to be next Mayor of New York!
I'm sure Christine Quinn who I just conducted a fundraiser for for that very job will be amused. She's an excellent price at 5/2 by the way!
So it will come down to a final decision. I know how privileged I am to be in even with an outsider's chance of such an incredible job.
I'll let you know.
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.WalterEllis | Jun 30, 2011, 02:41 PM EDT
Since you obviously missed it first time around: Niall: I am not a "British Unionist". I am a moderate nationalist from the northern Protestant community who has favoured Irish unity since I was 12 years-old and first visited my relatives in County Sligo. In the first reference you ever made to me, back in 2008, you denounced me as an acolyte of Major Ronald Bunting, the one-time Paisleyite rabble-rouser, when the truth was that I was the close friend of his son, the future Belfast commander of the INLA – the man who masterminded the assassination in the car park of the House of Commons of the MP Airey Neave. Every time you refer to me (which is frequently), you call me "British," which you clearly regard as an insult (though I do not). In fact, though I am from Northern Ireland and worked for some years in London (as well as Cork, Dublin, Brussels, Bonn, Amsterdam and Jerusalem), I regard myself as Irish and carry an Irish passport. I will make no further comment on your Irish presidential ambition, but would appreciate it if you could at least acknowledge me – as even Pearse would have done – as one of the Children of the Nation.
seanomelbourne | Jun 28, 2011, 07:44 PM EDT
Niall you may as well run you might add a bit of commom sense to the field of nohopers who have nominated so far.
seanomelbourne | Jun 28, 2011, 07:42 PM EDT
An bhfuilim ceart, may be more grammtically correct George.
GeorgeDillon | Jun 28, 2011, 02:39 PM EDT
KathyCallahan: Why are you directing your nonsense at me?
GeorgeDillon | Jun 28, 2011, 02:36 PM EDT
AngelPrecious " I know Trealach from chat and he does speak the Irish language in chat at times". You may know trealach, but you obviously don't know Irish. I do. Three errors, "howlers" as my old Latin teacher used to put it, in two lines is enough to condemn trealach to the dunces' corner. There he joins the imbecilic antoman, whose Irish is also non-existent. If you want to join them that's your prerogative. Trealach and antoman know little or no Irish: That's a fact, not an opinion. They should be ashamed of themselves, years of "studying" Irish and they can't write two correct words in the language. How much time and resources was wasted on trying to teach these two! Truly they are evidence that you can teach someone all their life, but you can't make him learn. Anyone who looks to this dopey duo for judgments of Irish language proficiency is a fool.
Irishphotograph | Jun 28, 2011, 01:34 PM EDT
Niall you have my support. I have been involved in political activism. Volunteering my time and labour to post posters during Election and Referendums. I am a descendant of John Devoy (IRB) and like John. I too have a passion for this country to succeed. imagesbydavid.net
Towngate | Jun 28, 2011, 11:47 AM EDT
Joycean: You may have put your finger on an important point. You see, as Niall may have found, - that once you have left,those remaining consider you have fallen off the edge of the world and any intentions you may have had of returning to stay or even as a visitor is viewed in financial terms and paradoxically also as a threat. Commonly heard during the boom years: "Look at them all crawling back now we have the country running lovely"! ~ Look at the state of the place now! We Irish are an insular and parochial lot which is strange as we all came to the island from different places originally. ~~~~~~ On a personal note,though,your:- " In Ireland, I've found very few people who actually want to get to know me..." Maybe your expectation was too high ~ but I just hope you weren't as rude to them as you are to several people on this site! That might explain it. Try being nice - and constructive and then even the creakiest doors will open to you. Slainte.
joycean | Jun 28, 2011, 08:45 AM EDT
Niall would make a great Irish president because he has lived outside the island and learned to open his heart to people whose experiences in life have been different.There are two "Habits of the Heart": dealing with people who have come from the same background and dealing with people from diverse backgrounds. Irish emigrants are the latter, and the Irish don't understand them. In Ireland, I've found very few people who actually want to get to know me. People like Walter Ellis who pretend to know emigrants, but really only perpetuate stereotypes make matters worse. People like Enda Kenny who welcomed everyone home, have good hearts, but need help going the next step. It is insulting to be told, "Come home because we need you money." Unfortunately, I know the logistics probably make it unlikely Niall will run, but at least he's given us the opportunity to discuss.
MrSinatra | Jun 28, 2011, 05:15 AM EDT
HAHAHAHHAHAH, do it, we need a laugh!
rpmschevy | Jun 28, 2011, 01:32 AM EDT
Maybe just maybe you are getting lambasted because you are no longer living in Ireland. Maybe it is because you left Ireland for another country, and oh yeah, were a criminal in that other country. I have no idea who George is, but wow look at that. The wonderful "progressives" talking like Jr High kids with name calling and insults. Cannot make a valid statement so insults. Love it.
dan Breen | Jun 27, 2011, 09:44 PM EDT
Keep smoking crack !
AngelPrecious | Jun 27, 2011, 06:56 PM EDT
LOL, where is GeorgeDillon???
Trealach | Jun 27, 2011, 06:15 PM EDT
Dillon bhuoy, póg mo thóin - "an bhuil an ceart agam"? what the hell is that you moronic american buffoon? It's better to be thought a fool, and remain silent, that to prove it in print for the world to see - but then some people go to such lengths to prove it. It's 'bhuil ceart agam'. I suggest you learn English grammar and forget your feeble attempt at Irish. One typing mistake doesn't prove anything, but reconsigning it does exemplify your ignorance - yet again.
cillowen | Jun 27, 2011, 04:31 PM EDT
Neil has the resume but presence to sell ol erin's cause is something else.
antoman | Jun 27, 2011, 04:29 PM EDT
An bhuil an ceart agam??? Does he mean "am I right?"..then it should be an "bhuil ceart agam?"Anyway,going by georgyboy.All Irish people should be able to abairt as gaeilge.In the same way that all Americans should be able to communicate using one or all of the Native American dialects.
Towngate | Jun 27, 2011, 04:00 PM EDT
GD: So words in any of the hundreds of thousand world languages only exist if YOU have heard of them?
KathyCallahan | Jun 27, 2011, 03:52 PM EDT
Hi George et al please keep writing on and on about Niall running for President of Ireland. Bloviate on the record. You are making Niall look extremely capable, enlightened and fit for leadership service. Please George do tell the world what you actually create, invent, produce and or do to make a living; a positive contribution to your 'neighborhood', country and in your free hobby time?
AngelPrecious | Jun 27, 2011, 03:28 PM EDT
Ummm, George, you would be wrong. I know Trealach from chat and he does speak the Irish language in chat at times. YOU are the hypocrite since you do not know him and yet, you make this harsh judgment! Trea is Irish to the core. I have to wonder if YOU live in Ireland!
pilib04 | Jun 27, 2011, 02:53 PM EDT
Scott Jamison (23-6-2011) reports in the Online edition of the Irish Echo that Niall is seeking the support of Sinn Fein and Fianna Fail.
GeorgeDillon | Jun 27, 2011, 02:46 PM EDT
themurphia: Merci Bien for that. You are right that it means absolutely no sense in the context in which towngate used it. Then again, you could say the same about his entire post...
GeorgeDillon | Jun 27, 2011, 02:44 PM EDT
Trealach is a good example of the Irish hypocrites. They don't have the slightest interest or warmth for the Irish language, they don't have a clue how to speak it and could care less, but they then in their stupid narrow-minded bigotry try to use it to exclude people. And of course, since they don't know Irish, they show themselves to be imbeciles when they strangle it as trealach does. I've seen them do the same with Irish dancing, which they sneer at except when they use it to show their bigotry towards non-Irish who might be interested. Ignorant leprechaun Irish like trealach--they're contemptible creeps, with no culture but that of Manchester United and English soap operas.
GeorgeDillon | Jun 27, 2011, 02:38 PM EDT
trealach: If you're going to question O'Dowd's ability in Irish, you shouldn't show yourself to be such an ignoramus in the language. Within two lines you make THREE mistakes in your pidgin Irish. You say "Gailge", when the language is GAEILGE. You say "coupla" when the word is CÚPLA. And you put an accent on the definite article "án" when a student with one week's Irish would know there is no accent. I'd say you're an amadán. An bhfuil an ceart agam?
themurphia | Jun 27, 2011, 01:48 PM EDT
George from the French meaning 'timeless'..but what it means in the context it is used here is anyone's guess...You're welcome don't mention it...!
Trealach | Jun 27, 2011, 01:11 PM EDT
Mr. O'Dowd, a few weeks ago you said you "were asked" to run for the presidency, then on radio you suggested Fianna Fail or Sinn Fein could invite you. You know, the problem with spinning tall stories is that they eventually trip you up. So your present statements are clearly saying "Damn it, no one asked me". Why haven't you told your readers, who it was that invited you to stand? beggorah maybe now 'twas a leprechaun eh? thanks be to the Almighty God most of them feckers emigrated to the US - and may they stay there. However, should the greatest of miracles happen and you manage to foist yourself upon the poor helpless peasants of Ireland, do you intend to make your inaugural speech as Gailge? Have you any coupla focal? Will you be able to buy a burger in án Gaeltacht? Mr.O'Dowd, you might fool the Yanks but you won't fool the Irish. Stay at home.
antoman | Jun 27, 2011, 12:49 PM EDT
Below is the reason why you will not be the President of Ireland..namely georgyboy and your unwillingness to challenge him on his trolling.Either you love Ireland or you don't.Your silence indicates the latter.Congrats georgyboy.You have sunk any possibility of Niall O'Dowd becoming president of the Republic.
GeorgeDillon | Jun 27, 2011, 11:51 AM EDT
towngate: What does "achrone" mean? It's a word I have never come across, in any language.
Aughavey | Jun 27, 2011, 11:24 AM EDT
British Unionist must be the derogatory term for an Irish person with a different opinion to Mr O`Dowd? Pretty sure all the authors he mention hold Irish passports. All part of the propaganda espousing `British occupation` when in fact `British Unionists` are infact born and bred `Irish` people - is mr O`Dowd aware that his peace process created British-Irish council or `Council of the Isles` is aiming for closer economic & energy cooperation?
antoman | Jun 27, 2011, 11:16 AM EDT
basis*
antoman | Jun 27, 2011, 11:15 AM EDT
Irish people up and down the country who may vote you in and come to this site to get a handle on you and to see what you and your publication are all about have just one question.Why do you let georgyboy leave vile derogatory nasty condescending remarks on a daily towards Ireland and her people?
KathyCallahan | Jun 27, 2011, 10:42 AM EDT
and we'll all let you know what we can do. Saturate the Island with a steady stream of movable Irish (all kinds because it takes all kinds, legitimately) flying in to Shannon, Dublin...to campaign for you in groups door to door; farm to farm; from house to cottage to pub for a concentrated period of time until election day is over. Volunteers and paid college, advanced degree interns pounding the pavement and asking individuals and 'voters who attend pub and cafe, FP Hotel and bus, train stop clatches' to give you their vote. Aer Lingus discount Group Rates. Stay with friends, family, those willing to open their home to IRish from America, Canada, Australia, Mexico, Argentina, It is better to to have loved the run and won than never to have run at all/you are not alone
joycean | Jun 27, 2011, 10:34 AM EDT
Niall, It looks like you've been on the British obituary writer's wrong side since 2008.
mcdolan | Jun 27, 2011, 10:14 AM EDT
I hope I am wrong, but 'Yankee go home' is what I fear for you. As I've said before, you're much better positioned to have an impact on Ireland Inc. where you are.
Niall O'Dowd | Jun 27, 2011, 10:02 AM EDT
towngate,, you should take up writing! very good
torbreezy | Jun 27, 2011, 09:53 AM EDT
Hi Niall, Was it not another transplanted Irish man--Edmund Burke--who enjoined ALL women and men of good will: All it takes for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."? GO for it.
Towngate | Jun 27, 2011, 09:44 AM EDT
Oh, Naill-een, alanna, achrone, your pain is plain: ~ walking alone in the Garden of Getsemane,kicking the stones and clumps of shamrock, wondering if the people of your heart are worth all your suffering. Where were the Exultant Cheers, the Palm Fronds spread under the landing gear of "IrishCentral One" as she touched down, the Triumphant Entry through the Towngate of Dublin City? Nowhere! That's where! What did you find? Sneaky 'slieveen' Politicos slithering around the Lubrical half afraid of catching something if they were seen talking to you, fearing the Ides of ( the17th) March! Tepid acknowledgement, perhaps from others 'just in case' - yeh never know,shur! Compare that to your reception 'back home' among your own, and you may have your answer. You say you are 'knee deep in figuring it out' - a chara, you are in much deeper than that and time to consider a tactical decision before it rises higher and we lose you altogether! Consider again the upheaval of your family(?), the exposure of your personal finances, your re-renouncing your allegiance to all former States, the begrudgery, the yank go home!,etc, and the long lonely nights huddled over a turf fire in the former British Vice-Regal Lodge,contemplating the money-grubbing self serving-'beal bocht' ('poor mouth' Irish Gombeen men who have begging off to a fine Art, who bring shame and disgrace the true patriots like you who are prepared to reboot your life and risk all to better the country you love. Niall, its a no-brainer! - the Irish do not deserve you!.
WalterEllis | Jun 27, 2011, 08:44 AM EDT
Niall: I am not a "British Unionist". I am a moderate nationalist from the northern Protestant community who has favoured Irish unity since I was 12 years-old and first visited my relatives in County Sligo. In the first reference you ever made to me, back in 2008, you denounced me as an acolyte of Major Ronald Bunting, the one-time Paisleyite rabble-rouser, when the truth was that I was the close friend of his son, the future Belfast commander of the INLA – the man who masterminded the assassination in the car park of the House of Commons of the MP Airey Neave. Every time you refer to me (which is frequently), you call me "British," which you clearly regard as an insult (though I do not). In fact, though I am from Northern Ireland and worked for some years in London (as well as Cork, Dublin, Brussels, Bonn, Amsterdam and Jerusalem), I regard myself as Irish and carry an Irish passport. I will make no further comment on your Irish presidential ambition, but would appreciate it if you could at least acknowledge me – as even Pearse would have done – as one of the Children of the Nation.
themurphia | Jun 27, 2011, 08:35 AM EDT
Niall:Remember the definition of an optimist...someone who sees every challenge as an opportunity...Time to call in the debts and use those contacts with campaigning experience...Unless John Hume stands your chances are probably the best they will ever be RIGHT NOW...Next time round I fully expect Gerry will be walking into the Aras as the inaugural President of a re-United Ireland...