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| The Irish President's residence: Áras an Uachtaráin |
(Irish central publisher Niall O’Dowd is considering a run for president of Ireland, here is his blog)
Spending a morning in Dail Eireann as the Irish parliament is called is an exercise in who’s who.
Here is the Prime Minister Enda Kenny bounding out through the main gate, a new opinion poll showing him at record popularity and clearly enjoying the day in the sun literally.
He stops and talks every few strides, a gregarious leader who has a clear common touch. The Queen Elizabeth and Obama visits were beautifully handled and he deserves the boost.
Gerry Adams strides out, still an incongruous figure to me here in Dublin when I am so used to seeing him at Stormont.
The poll results were good for him and his party too and he has a broad grin.
Here is Irish sporting legend Eamonn Coghlan, recently selected to the Upper House, strolling into the chamber and his new life.
He looks as fit and ready to run as he did when he was ‘Chairman of the Boards’ and breaking the world indoor mile record back in the 1980s.
I used to cover Eamon’s races back then, got to know him well and could have matched him for slimness if not talent!. Those were the days.
Here too are the media, from the dozens of newspapers now covering the Dail.
They loiter with intent, the sideways glance and nod and a wink and a whisper also suggestive. It reminds me of the Roman Forum down to the plinth, where the party grandees come to pontificate on whatever subject.
Rumors are the currency of the day, opinion polls are said to be imminent, another contender for president ready to appear. It is a fascinating mix of innuendo and gossip.
In the distance a protest about something is being held. We are inside the walls, impervious.
Every presidential candidate, including myself as a potential one, are trawling the halls, gripping and grinning every passing politician who may have a vote in getting them on the ballot.
The rules for running are clear, 20 members of the Dail or Upper House the Seanad must vote for you.
For candidates from the major parties such as Fine Gael the question is will their party colleagues vote for them in their internal contest.
Labor have chosen Micheal D. Higgins, one of their old guard and a stalwart defender of free speech who will always be remembered for removing the odious Section 31, banning Sinn Fein speakers from the airwaves, from the statute book.
Fianna Fail and Sinn Fein are undecided about whether to run a candidate or not. The Fine Gael candidates are most in evidence.
Pat Cox, former President of the European parliament, solemn and serious, Mairead McGuinness a European MP , elegant and forthcoming, stops to chat about the race and her utter belief that the grassroots are with her.
I find myself in good company, Senator Fergal Quinn perhaps the most pro-American member of the Irish houses. A hugely successful businessman he has an instinctive feel and regard for the U.S.
We discuss our mutual friend and inspiration Coca Cola’s Don Keough and swap Keough stories.
Fergal remembers him barreling into one of his supermarkets, entourage vainly trying to keep up with him, selling coke like he’s running for president.
I recall the time almost on a whim he rounded up Bill Gates and Warren Buffett and flew them to Ireland for a weekend.
The time passes but we are enjoying the conversation.
The vote bell chimes and Fergal gets up to leave. I am buttonholed by a young man who looks about 20 to me who is a County Kerry senator.
He has a friend who wants to expand on idea I talked about on radio for bringing more American tourists to Ireland.
I run into my brother the Minister of State who is escorting an American businessman I introduced him to lunch.
We chat, the time passes and the business of a nation goes on all around me.
A pleasant day.
I am now back in America, preparing for our big Top 50 Women event on Thursday night. I’m looking forward to it. Consistently the women chosen are incredibly grateful for the honor a function of the fact that such women are rarely acknowledged.
It will be a fun night.
27 Comments
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.joycean | Jun 27, 2011, 07:51 AM EDT
Towngate: My dictionary states,"a government having a chief of state who is not a monarch and whom in modern times is usu.a president." Republics are not necessarily democracies:China, Iran, USSR.There are republics in the Commonwealth, like India, but they do not have the Queen as their Heads of State.What Ireland does isn't really my problem.
Towngate | Jun 27, 2011, 04:32 AM EDT
Joycean: Ireland has a serious identity issue. When I use the term 'The Irish Republic', I rely on a certain degree of erudition on the part of the reader to absorb and accept that it included all the descriptive terms used for the non-British part of the Island. Otherwise we are into: 'Southern Ireland','Free State','Ulster','Northern Ireland' 'Six or Twenty-six Counties','The Irish Republic'' ... and so on... and although all parties on the island seem to officially accept the simple term "Ireland" for all its components and former titles now, there are even some who still baulk at that! ~ ~ ~ Btw: It is perfectly possible for an independent republic to have a Sovereign Head of State. The world is littered with them. Take a look. ~ ~ ~ On Irish identity,finally,Niall has given a good indication in his reports on his misssion to Dublin last week of how complicated it is, when a true-born Irishman who travelled and settled abroad and worked tirelessly to raise the profile,awareness and respect for those back home, is considered a 'blow-in' interloping Alien when he comes 'home' to offer his services to them. The country has a lot of growing up to do!
joycean | Jun 26, 2011, 09:03 AM EDT
Towngate, I'm an American, and Americans schools teach American history and World history,so sometimes our knowledge of specific histories of other countries is a little fuzzy. But according to Wikapedia, Ireland was declared a republic in 1949, the same time it left the Commonwealth, and I would assume the two are connected. Technically, a republic is a country which does not have a monarch as Head of State. In his speech in Dublin, Obama congradulated the Irish for voting for a "two state solution." As an American, I recognized that as a shot he took at Israel. He had just told Netenyahu that Israel needed to come up with a "two state solution."But I don't think that that is what the Irish thought they voted for.
Towngate | Jun 25, 2011, 06:20 PM EDT
Murph: On the contrary: although it may not have been on the agenda this trip, The Question of the Order has indeed been discussed by both sides since independance, by DeValera and Cosgrove,at least. Worth noting it is the only Noble Order that Pertains to Ireland Alone and the Regalia is Magnificent, and would suit any man. ( Women are excluded!) It is a bit tricky with the country being divided as it is at the moment. They are probably waiting for a United Ireland ~ ~ ~ when the south rejoins the north, perhaps. "Who can look into the seeds of time and say which will grow ......?" ~ ~ ~ joycean: Ireland is part of the European Continent and 'EU' and does not 'dislike' the rest of it. They are glad to be living on their money! ~ ~ ~ De Valera was in favour of remaining in and The Irish Republic was a Member of the British Commonwealth until 1949. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth is notably devoted to her 38 Commonwealth countries in addition to the United Kingdom of Great Britain ~ and ~ Northern Ireland! Remember, she only missed being crowned Queen of (All) Ireland by three short years. ~ ~ ~ On flags: Imagine the Cross of St Patrick removed from the Union Flag and overlaid on the Irish Tricolour : Green White and Orange with a big Red 'X' on it reaching from corner to corner! "Is fawgameed shuid mar attaw shay!" (roughly: We'd better leave things as they are!) ........Btw: The six million Irish 'living in England' are a very contented lot and enjoy all the rights and benefits of their host Nation. Anti-discrimination Laws,Free Education and Free Health Care plus a State Pension after your Life's work. Why else would almost two million live there - more than live in the whole of Ireland? ~ ~ ~ No, Her Majesty was not doing a 'Victory Lap' ~ She was checking her Fences!
themurphia | Jun 25, 2011, 04:26 PM EDT
joycean you're right damn you...now i'm depressed! I'll mull this over over a glass of red some decent cheese and get right back to you...anon
joycean | Jun 25, 2011, 02:06 PM EDT
themurphia, I remember the sense of culture shock that I felt in 1997, at the time of the plebiscite on Ireland's constitutional claim to all of the island. The Irish people I talked to seemed to believe that nationalism and flag waving were dangerous. You would all join the EU. Problem solved.Nationalism should be relegated to sporting events.I remember telling a cousin that Americans don't feel that way at all. Wait and see what happens if anyone attacks us.Americans swear allegiance to our flag and the Republic for which it stands. Wasn't Hume the author of the togetherness through the EU theory?Is it fair to say that now that the EU is disliked in Ireland because of the debt crisis and also because so many Irish are living in England, that there is a renewed call for commonwealth status?And, you have a whole generation that grew up under that theory. I noticed there are republics in the Commonwealth although Her Majesty is its head. Is the Commonwealth mainly a games organization? Was Her Magesty doing a victory lap? I'm asking this seriously.
themurphia | Jun 25, 2011, 07:59 AM EDT
I suppose if they were prepared to sign away a substantial area of sovereignty then a gong or two was probably a mere insignificance...Given the craven love-in that surrounded the visit of 'Beiti a do' it doubtful the issue was even considered...I wasn't suggesting that we should have an Honour system...I do not agree with Patronage however if gongs are available to be handed out then they should be in the gift of the President of the Republic not a foreign queen...As far as 'Dorris' is concerned...his interest in the Presidency of the Republic is somewhat suspect given his view that Independence should never have been sought from the Commonwealth of the British Empire...Such views cannot be compatible with the tenure of the Office of the President and as such his candidacy is niether neither credible or tenable...
Towngate | Jun 24, 2011, 11:50 AM EDT
Murph: I remember David Norris declaring he was prepared to accept a much reduced Salary as President; just as Luke 'Ming' Flanaghan TD, has already done for his former County Council Posts. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ On the Irish Honours System - you know it takes the form of Truly Obscene Levels Salaries and Pensions. ~ ~ ~ It was a great oversight at the time of the Treaty not to secure the 'return' of The Order of Saint Patrick' to the Republic and request that the 'Cross of Saint Patrick' should be removed from the Union Flag. ~ as it is, The Queen alone can confer the Honour. My personal hope was that during her State Visit she would 'return' the Order to the Republic care of the Office of the President. The Order may be considered 'dormant' but so was the barony of Carrickfergus conferred on Prince William recently and it could be revived at any time! Meantime, the Cross of St Patrick - representing the whole of Ireland flies proudly over Stormont and Buckingham Palace!
themurphia | Jun 23, 2011, 06:32 PM EDT
I'm inclined to agree with you seamus but what is the liklihood..I think the real test of the candidates would be to make it an Honorary position with expenses of Office to be paid on approval of receipts..it would be interesting to see how many want the job then...But again I ask what is the likelihood of that...? On the other hand I suppose the Office of the President is about the nearest equivalent Ireland has to an Honour system...In the heel of the hunt I doubt whoever gets the gig it will make much difference to Jo/e Soap...
seamusdenais | Jun 23, 2011, 04:49 PM EDT
I think the whole acting thing sickens me. Fed up of phony nepotist hollywood style lick arse politicians going for election to Aras An Uachtarain. (House of the president) Much prefer to have the job go to the ordinary Joe Soap attached to no political party rather the snobby elite who've done nothing for Ireland except line their pockets and bankrupt Ireland.
themurphia | Jun 23, 2011, 04:13 PM EDT
Actually it's rather punny...in the original and the translation...!
GeorgeDillon | Jun 23, 2011, 03:01 PM EDT
themurphia: I don 't know why you bothered to "explain" a rather inane post from DeValera. It's senseless in any language.
tullyallen | Jun 23, 2011, 02:59 PM EDT
Sir Tristram, violer d'aores,fr'over the short sea,had passencore rearrived from North Armorica on this side the scraggy isthmus of Europe Minor to wielderfight his penisolate war............ ?
themurphia | Jun 23, 2011, 02:52 PM EDT
Ahh boo what I shoulda said was he doesn't know his Erse from his DeValera...!
themurphia | Jun 23, 2011, 02:51 PM EDT
For the benefit of those not familiar with old Irish sayings what DeValera is saying is a well known pun as Gaelige..'There's no hearth like your own hearth/There's no sore ass like your own sore ass'...Dev is taking the 'piseog' methinks...either that or he doesn't know his Erse from his Eire...;-)
RedBranch | Jun 23, 2011, 01:55 PM EDT
Section 31 odious? Something certainly stank for years, but methinks it was the stench of blood.
DeValera | Jun 23, 2011, 01:54 PM EDT
Nil aon tinteàn mar do thinteàn féin,ceart go leor. Ach nil aon ton tinn mar do thon tinn féin ,ar freisin!
KathyCallahan | Jun 23, 2011, 01:43 PM EDT
It's my natural state of mind. Never took it
FayreFionnan | Jun 23, 2011, 01:26 PM EDT
@KathyCallahan Are you on acid? I
KathyCallahan | Jun 23, 2011, 01:06 PM EDT
Niall is the Irish and American Stormontian Rainmaker. Step by step he Reconciles seemingly terminally opposing forces as he works hard with so many to bring people together and into the room for conversation to create political and economic solutions on leveled playing fields of green. Always listening for the next best possibility and making it happen
themurphia | Jun 23, 2011, 10:18 AM EDT
Niall: Advice from a blog commentator or a Constitutional law expert..you decide...!
kinvara7 | Jun 23, 2011, 10:01 AM EDT
@themurphia: settle what? Niall is an Irish citizen and I don't believe he renounced that citizenship. Ireland recognises dual citizenship. I'm not aware of anyone saying that it would be unconstitutional for Niall to run. I think Niall will incur enough expense already without adding the bills of a learned counsel.
GeorgeDillon | Jun 23, 2011, 09:26 AM EDT
"I am now back in America" --you need to be "back in Ireland" if you're going to stand any chance.
themurphia | Jun 23, 2011, 09:21 AM EDT
My money's on John Hume as the 'mystery' candidate...if so the others may as well save their deposits.
themurphia | Jun 23, 2011, 09:15 AM EDT
Irish by birth American by Grace of God. Bruce Morrison writes highly of Niall's candidacy on comments page of IT today.I repeat my comment posted elsewhere i.e. that the issue of ID is a distraction and needs to be settled once and for all...particularly before the meeja get to you...Surely amongst your many contacts there is an Irish Constitutional lawyer that can settle this definitively...Mind you if that's the only skeleton in your cupboard then you've little to worry about compared to others... The great pretEnda is bound to have a pepe in his step the FG'ers having been out of Office for 80 years...The Irish are a quare lot indeed after bellyaching about Tweedledumb they voted for Tweedlee...after 100 days in office so far so what...They clamoured for an entrepreneur a buisnessman O'Learyesque in stature if not temperament to lead them out of the financial black hole they sleep-walked into...now they have the opportunity they thumb their nose at it...Determined to snatch defeat from the jaws of success...well some anyway...probably the same ones that prefer the candidate with a knowledge of obscure texts and the sexual practices of the Ancient Greeks...The candidate who covets the Presidency of a Republic he believes should never have sought Independence from the Commonwealth of the British Empire...Maybe he's confusing it with Plato's Republic...You couldn't make it up except in Ireland...It's all Greek to me..!
Towngate | Jun 23, 2011, 09:00 AM EDT
Niall,a Chara: Interesting, I'm sure; but you forgot to mention anything about how many Votes you got.
antoman | Jun 23, 2011, 08:11 AM EDT
An enjoyable read.Goodluck in your endevours Niall O'Dowd.If you gain the Aras I would like to be in charge of the wine cellar with a budget of $6000 a month.Thats if you will have me.Psst..there be $2000 for you,$2000 for me..and we send the butler round to Tesco's with the remaining $2000 for the cheap stuff.