Political candidates - Cynicism of worst kind

THOUGH the Irish electorate is world famous for being “sophisticated”, it seems that there are still those in our political system who think that celebrity candidates have a place in our future.

Packie Bonner, who hopes to stand for Fianna Fáil in the European elections, stopped a penalty from Romania’s Daniel Timofte in the 1990 World Cup.

For that he has earned our affection but what has he done in the intervening years to suggest that he is anything other than a trophy candidate?

Surely a prospective MEP should have a range of achievements that suggests they know how to organise, lead, inspire and decide?

Of course, candidates should not be excluded just because they come from a sports background. One, former GAA president Sean Kelly, showed great political skill in modernising that organisation, culminating in the opening of Croke Park.

It is possible that Packie Bonner might be elected but if he is, politics, and most likely the man himself, will have been done a disservice. The only people who may benefit are the cynical power-brokers who may use a fine and decent man to serve their own ends.