I’m in the race because I want a real debate about the future for all of us

IT might seem a bit arrogant to say so, considering I want to be part of it, but I honestly believe Ireland needs, and must have, a presidential election next year.

Part of the reason I decided to put my own name forward last week, with just over a year to go, was to try to do whatever I could to make certain there would be a contest.

There has been a lot of speculation in recent weeks that an agreed candidate might “emerge” for the office, saving the political system time and effort in running a presidential election campaign.