Male candidates for the Áras fail to inspire

NEVER before in the history of the Irish state have so many male nobodies been rolled out to run for the presidency.

Those male egos must have been really put out of joint by the last three terms of this position from 1990 to date being held by two women presidents.

That must have made the boys nervous. First there was David Norris. Then there was Martin McAleese.

Masculine America seems to have wanted Niall O’Dowd to stand, but on what basis?

Was it in order to avoid another Hillary Clinton in Ireland per chance?

Pat Cox was running next. Was it to do with saving the PDs and Fine Gael from another non-elitist woman who might signal change in the country? Michael D Higgins volunteered next to stand in the face of the obvious reality that he should be in retirement.

The latest bloke to join the field is Sean Gallagher, a wealthy entrepreneur, seen on Dragon’s Den, a self-serving enterprise that demonstrates very well why women threaten the male position in society. Unfortunately, for the men of Ireland, the only man deserving of the presidency was Brian Lenihan, whose great dignity and dedication warranted great rewards before his sad passing.

So, it’s over to the women again. From a northern perspective, the SDLP leader, Margaret Ritchie, is a woman to watch.

John O’Connell

Derry