The Presidency - Nominations monopolised

YESTERDAY’S expression of interest by Pat Cox in establishing what support he might have if he was to contest the presidential election in October brings us a step closer to ensuring that, for the first time in 14 years, we will elect our president.

If Mr Cox and David Norris — or anyone else — secure enough support to win a nomination, it is just possible that they will not face a contender nominated by Fianna Fáil. Micheál Martin’s decision to allow FF deputies nominate David Norris — or possibly Pat Cox — suggests that they have accepted how difficult it would be to get a FF candidate elected.

Fine Gael and Labour are expected to contest the election and their candidates will be named in due course. Though it may not be as pressing as some other issues, it is time we took a fresh look at the process of nominating candidates and widening the process beyond the traditional power-brokers — our political parties.