Ó Muircheartaigh claims backing for Áras bid is ‘vast’

SPORTING legend Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh has claimed he has a “vast” range of support from businesses and politicians for his candidacy for his presidency but says he will wait until next week before deciding whether to run for the Áras.

The GAA commentator is thought to have been considered by Fianna Fáil as a candidate, with the party even conducting internal research about him entering the presidential race.

Mr Ó Muircheartaigh, who will turn 81 this weekend, said he expects the position would entail a lot of work. But he also said the idea of running had been mentioned to him a few times in recent years.

“I’ve become involved by chance,” he said. “I never set out to be anything in the political sphere. But there had been the odd reference over the last few years that I’d be suitable for the presidency.

“What’s really got to me is that vast surge of support from the people. I’m really considering it on account of those people. The numbers are big as far as I can see. They promise support, they would like to see me in the contest. That doesn’t say that I will be.”

The former teacher and RTÉ commentator admitted at the weekend that he had been approached about running. However, he refused to say which political party wanted to back him.

But the Irish Examiner has learnt that FF’s recent research on possible candidates running for the party included a poll on the level of support Mr Ó Muircheartaigh could gain on voting day.

Bookmakers Paddy Power last night were offering odds of 14/1 on Mr Ó Muircheartaigh winning the election, the same odds for FF MEP Brian Crowley. Neither men have formally entered the race.

The bookies’ favourite is still Labour’s Michael D Higgins, at odds of 8/11, followed by Fine Gael’s Gay Mitchell on 7/2.

Mr Ó Muircheartaigh told RTÉ radio yesterday that people in political life had approached him months ago. He will consult with his family before making a decision on whether to enter the election race.

“I have been promised support by people in the business and commercial world,” he added.

Mr Ó Muircheartaigh said FF leader Micheál Martin had not called him offering support, as he had with broadcaster Gay Byrne

“If I did run, I would run as an independent candidate. I would not stand on behalf of any party,” he added.