Ross’s election bid may signal the dawn of a new independents day

THE arrival of Shane Ross, journalist, author and senator, into the general election campaign, seeking a Dáil seat in George Lee’s old constituency of Dublin South, is not just significant in itself: it could lead to other similarly minded individuals pitching themselves to the electorate, offering themselves as new legislators to add to the public voices they already use.

Already, Paul Somerville, a financial markets participant who has sprung to prominence as a commentator on various radio and television programmes, has followed suit, offering himself to the electorate of Dublin South East. More might follow: there is considerable speculation that David McWilliams, the popular economist, could be persuaded to offer himself to the voters of Dun Laoighaire. You would be hard pressed to imagine him not winning.

Ross’s decision to enter the race is fascinating. Ross is not short of opportunity to make his views known without having to go to the Dáil to do so. He has a weekly column in The Sunday Independent where he is business editor. He appears regularly on broadcast media (including my own radio show where we regard him as credible as well as provocative).