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Periscope by Niall O'Dowd

Why I may run for Irish president because it is time for the Irish abroad to speak up

Posted on Sunday, June 05, 2011 at 10:07 PM

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The Irish Times is reporting as part of a lead front page story today that I am considering running for president of Ireland.

Here is what they wrote in part.

"The New York-based Irish journalist and publisher Niall O’Dowd has also confirmed that he is actively considering mounting a bid to enter the presidential race.

Mr O’Dowd (58) said he had been approached by a cross-party group of Irish and Irish-Americans who urged him to consider putting his name forward. He would not disclose their identities.

Mr O’Dowd was an influential figure in developing the peace process in the US.

“I am very passionate about Ireland and about the future. I hate to see what is happening to it.

“The people laid out a compelling case. I said I would consider their request. They sketched out the importance of the role, of job creation, of the US, and how a president could be a business president. The US is where Ireland needs to be. This generation has had its future stolen from them,” he said.

All of the above I feel passionate about and I believe the race for the Irish presidency would be immeasurably broadened by having an Irish Diaspora voice if I decided to run.

The time for lip service to that Diaspora is over. It is time to make that voice for 40 million Irish Americans heard loud and clear -- not to mention the tens of thousands that will soon be joining that journey west or Down Under.

I was totally taken aback during the recent visit to Ireland for the Obama visit to have a group of influential Irish figures approach me on this very issue.

They see that the Diaspora, when it comes to tourism and direct investment, are deeply important for the future of Ireland. They feel that the past leadership in Ireland has utterly failed the country and that the answer these days lies far more in Boston than Berlin.

I wholeheartedly agree.

I don't know what the future holds for the notion of an emigrant candidate for Irish president.

But rest assured dear reader I will keep you informed.

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91 Comments

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DeValera | Jun 19, 2011, 01:25 PM EDT

Its my opinion based on personal experience. I don't think I'm wrong but if I am I don't give a fidddlers.I'd say I'm fairly typical anyway . Look at the irish media and you might get the picture. What is Irish American anyway, how do you define it . Is it a genetic thing . Take the term African American, I worked and lived in Africa, believe me the average African couldn't give a hoot about "African Americans" . They live worlds apart. I don't think you can play ball in two courts either you are irish or your american ,hard to be both . In any case only 5% of the American population have passports ,which means that about 20 million American citizens actually travel outside the US . If as it is claimed there are 40 million irish americans what percentage of that 20 million do they represent?

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Searlit | Jun 17, 2011, 12:47 PM EDT

How do you presume to know that, DeValera?

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DeValera | Jun 17, 2011, 02:51 AM EDT

Most people in Ireland can't stand irish americans

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dan Breen | Jun 12, 2011, 12:10 PM EDT

HAHAHAHA!HAHAHAHAH! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHH!

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zyxwvutsrqponml | Jun 09, 2011, 10:30 PM EDT

"They feel that the past leadership in Ireland has utterly failed the country and that the answer these days lies far more in Boston than Berlin" Berlin's economy is in better shape than Boston's, so I think if Ireland has to choose in terms of economies I would choose Berlin. Less excess, more diligence. No boom and bust, no property bubbles.

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citizen69 | Jun 09, 2011, 02:00 PM EDT

@Seano: The company that carried out the poll was called Quantum Research. I don't know exactly how the question was phrased but the report on Irish Central & in the Sunday Independent stated that "Ninety-five per cent of those polled said they thought the Queen had won the hearts of the Irish people." ...and 82% said "They would love to see the Queen make a return visit in the near future."

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seanomelbourne | Jun 08, 2011, 07:46 PM EDT

citizen69 could I have the name of the company that conducted the poll and how the question was phrased?thank you.

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citizen69 | Jun 08, 2011, 12:05 PM EDT

I honestly don't think O'Dowd would make a suitable candidate. I don't believe he is in touch with the mood of the Irish people, (which isn't surprising when you don't live in the country you are running for!). His dislike for the Queen shows he is out of touch as a newspaper poll revealed that 95% of the Irish people welcomed her visit. I also believe he tends to be a patsy for Sinn Fein, as they get way more coverage on his site than Ireland's other bigger parties & politicians, and the lack of reporting on stories that reflect S.F. in a negative light shows an agenda & possible dishonesty when it come to reporting the news in a balanced way. I also feel there is a bias against unionists and their culture, and a distaste for the Catholic church in his articles. All in all, compared to the current President, this would look like a retrograde step backwards for Ireland.

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Towngate | Jun 08, 2011, 09:41 AM EDT

CaptainCon: I kind of like your ideas and your turn of phrase,but surely without business supplying the needs of the people - there would be no front or back doors. 'Freedom' was obtained for many reasons - including business.

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CaptainCon | Jun 08, 2011, 06:49 AM EDT

A 'business president'. Sovereignty and nationhood and its symbols are not for carpetbaggers and sales reps. It was a mistake to allow trade to start walking in via front doors when they should be sent around to the back door where they belong. Fianna Fail were a 'business party'. Look where that put Ireland. Irish independence was not declared for 'business people' to play with.

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seanomelbourne | Jun 07, 2011, 07:45 PM EDT

Niall what is your agenda if you run for POI? I hope you would bring back some Irishness and credibility to the post.

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Niall O'Dowd | Jun 07, 2011, 02:57 PM EDT

politics.ie much more interesting

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Niall O'Dowd | Jun 07, 2011, 02:56 PM EDT

slugger o toole full of carpers and whiners on every subject so no big deal

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patriot | Jun 07, 2011, 02:31 PM EDT

As a proud descendant of Irish labor leader (No, he was not born in the UK!) and representative of the poor (who are still with us), James Larkin, I would be extremely interested in your ideas for Ireland's future. Perhaps you could begin by reestablishing A "LIBERTY HALL" in Dublin, where the poor and the working class could find some comfort away from drugs and drink. Ireland and its ancient tribal culture of fairness and concern for all peoples screams out for respect, understanding and then complete socialist reform. Equality among all financial classes and the Brehon laws should be the basis of all movement forward. Read Bulmer Hobson plan for a free and independent Irish Republic based on agrarian produce. We are a damp fertile country, this is our strength: grow things!

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fawnmarie | Jun 07, 2011, 02:26 PM EDT

I think this might be a bit ridiculous considering all the barriers in front of Irish Americans and Irish American descendents trying to move back home. It's nearly impossible with hard work and good intentions. Money seems to be the only answer.

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