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Home Page > Blogs > News blogs > Periscope > Sinn Fein decision to run a candidate for Irish president a body blow for Fianna Fail

Periscope by Niall O'Dowd

Sinn Fein decision to run a candidate for Irish president a body blow for Fianna Fail

Posted on Thursday, September 01, 2011 at 12:51 PM

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It now looks certain that Sinn Fein will run a candidate for president of Ireland after party spokesman Martin Ferris stated it was under definite consideration.

A Sinn Fein candidate could do very well in such a race but more importantly, they are positioning themselves to be the leader of the opposition parties in the Irish parliament.

Fianna Fail's inexplicable decision to not run a candidate for the nation's highest office gives Sinn Fein an invaluable opening that they will be seeking to exploit.

The Fianna Fail brand has been so decimated that they decided against running a candidate but that begs the question of why they are in business at all.

Fianna Fail had won every Irish presidential election except one and not running a candidate is a sure sign of how extreme the parties' troubles are.

Party leader Michael Martin has been very shaky on the issue as he approached TV host Gay Byrne to run and promised Fianna Fail backing.

When Byrne backed out he was left with egg on his face.

Now Sinn Fein could well turn the screws when they announce their candidate.

Martin Ferris ruled himself out and that still leaves a slew of candidates available.

The best by far would be Dublin member of parliament Mary Lou McDonald who would present a young and modern face of Ireland.

McDonald, 42, a former European MP has been a rising star in the party for some time.

If she runs for president she would probably not win but a very positive showing would further increase SInn Fein's political presence and hand Fianna Fail another major defeat.

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Kilsally | Sep 07, 2011, 08:34 AM EDT

Towngate - he doesn`t have any problems entering the House of Commons. Sinn Fein MP`s draw their wages and expenses and have rented apartments / flats and offices in and around Westminster - the only thin g they don`t do is sit in the actual commons with everybody else.

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pilib04 | Sep 04, 2011, 04:37 PM EDT

I agree that MaryLou would be an excellent candidate for Uachtaran. By the by, although Mary Lou was once a member of the Euro Parliament, that was the only Parliament that she has been elected to. If you are referring to the Dail, please say so. Dail is NOT gaelic for parliament. If there were a desire on the part of the Irish people to call their ruling legislative body, parliament, we would have done so. The Irish Voice is getting very sloppy about references to Ireland.

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seanomelbourne | Sep 02, 2011, 06:54 PM EDT

She might suprise and win.I'm not sure how "the rat" "unconvinced" and "georgy boy" would handle the situation.They may have to slit their collective wrists

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Towngate | Sep 02, 2011, 12:00 PM EDT

The georgeous Mary Lou would bring a much missed feminine touch to the Aras. The only problem I see is how will 'Gyarry squarr hos haad' about entering the British Vice-Regal Lodge - Symbol and Centre of British Rule ... seeing he had so much trouble entering the House of Commons in London. ~~ Up Mary Lou! Mary Lou is a great Aras prospect!

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unconvinced | Sep 02, 2011, 10:47 AM EDT

Well that would be a nice place to cozy up to Gerry Mary -lou - what do you see in him?

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sirpeter | Sep 02, 2011, 05:05 AM EDT

*Sings*.I said "Hello Mary Lou~Goodbye FallsRat.Sweet Mary Lou.We're so in love with you.I know Mary Lou~It's a great start.So Hello Mary Lou~ Break his heart"

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sirpeter | Sep 02, 2011, 04:43 AM EDT

Georgy Boy.FallsRat wants ya.

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GeorgeDillon | Sep 02, 2011, 03:28 AM EDT

citizen69: "My dog would have a chance of winning the presidency if it entered." Is it a lap dog? Then it can run for Sinn Fein.

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seanomelbourne | Sep 01, 2011, 09:38 PM EDT

The anti Irish brigade is back,they must be into self torture pity it's not self immolation.

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sirpeter | Sep 01, 2011, 05:17 PM EDT

FallsRNat.LOL.Sinn Fein have future plans don't they.Nervous.haha