Last election saw the people of Ireland and in the U.S. for that matter, rise up and vote for as much sweeping change as they could.

Isn't it about time to take the next step? I say for both countries, but talking about Ireland particularly at this time. You had a person contemplating a run for President, with real world experience in the private sector, who knows what it's like to be on the other side of those laws written in the capitals.

When Niall O'Dowd floated his idea of running for President I was genuinely excited at the prospect of seeing someone without the trappings of a professional politician step forward to lead Ireland. But it seems the political powers that be, are not quite ready for such a steep transition. But are the people of Ireland ready?

Sometimes it takes quite a bit of heat before we see the light.

A native Son who is not an international industrialist, nor banker, nor a CEO of a mega corporation. He has dealt with business on the personal level and knows what it's like to have to promote a business and run it. The responsibilities of being in the private sector, where there isn't a never ending pool of other peoples money/borrowed money to tap into. He also has had the responsibility of making decisions which he is solely responsible for. He has felt the burden and responsibility of having employees.

The flip side of the coin is that he has experience in the political world and has rubbed shoulders with the movers and shakers of Ireland and America and can speak their language. But in the process, he hasn't been tainted by it.

He has demonstrated the ability to be a peacemaker when he took a key roll during the times of trouble and helped bring an end to the violence with the "Good Friday Peace Agreement".

But key could be Niall's contacts with Irish all over the world, who would love to step up to the plate and help Ireland become a viable economic force to be reckoned with on the worldwide stage.

As a conservative leaning person, I do not agree with all of Nialls stands or some of the politicians he has called friend. But I have seen something in him, which marks a man as a statesman rather than a politician: He has the ability to step back and look at issues fairly and in my opinion, see issues for what they really are. I certainly respect the man as a person of honor and integrity, something badly needed these days, regardless of political beliefs.

So Ireland, you have let your selves be governed by "nanny staters" who have brought you to your economic knees. How much heat are you going to bear, before you see the light?

For other points of view visit Carroll Standard:

http://www.carrollstandard.com/