Michael Flatley Plans Return Ireland Presidential Nomination

Michael Flatley, famed Riverdance and Lord of the Dance star, has announced plans to seek a nomination to run for president of Ireland in the upcoming autumn election. This intention was revealed by his barrister during a High Court case concerning renovations at his Cork mansion, Castlehyde, and confirmed in an affidavit signed by his solicitor. Flatley, an Irish-American citizen, aims to move back to Ireland shortly and believes the Irish people currently lack a strong voice, expressing a desire to represent their concerns. The largely ceremonial presidency is held by Michael D Higgins, who is concluding his term in November and is ineligible for re-election after two terms. To qualify, Flatley must secure nominations from members of the Irish parliament or local authorities, with the election expected by late October. Other candidates include Mairead McGuinness, the Fine Gael nominee, and Catherine Connolly, a left-wing independent and former Galway mayor.