Race for presidency is becoming a farce

IT is sad that the race to succeed one of Ireland’s two most successful presidents is in danger of becoming a minor but embarrassing farce.

It might still be possible to avoid the kind of soap opera that might undermine the dignity of the office, our already poor international image and our discredited political system, but only just.

This would be a terrible pity because our last two presidents did so much to encourage individuals, communities, various lobby groups and those prepared to take risks to strengthen this society.

Queen Elizabeth’s belated and successful visit was a culmination of that process and though many others played significant roles President McAleese’s contribution by recognising, several years ago, the powerful and curative symbolism involved was pivotal. Without her determination, that historic visit might not yet have taken place.

This week’s necessary resignation from the race by Senator David Norris, the opinion polls’ favourite, removed a threat to the status quo.

It also gave an opportunity to irredeemably conservative voices to question the objectivity of the left and some commentators as if an individual, who made two very grave errors, could be compared to the institutionalised deceit, obstructionism and disregard for the primacy of our elected parliament — and the refuge offered to paedophiles — shown by the Catholic hierarchy over recent decades.

Conversely, it gave Sen Norris’s supporters an opportunity to mutter about dark forces at work to undermine him for any reason from his sexuality to his links with anti-Israeli organisations.

Fianna Fáil have yet to announce if they will run a candidate or support an independent in their own image. This has not stopped Munster MEP Brian Crowley appealing to the party’s Oireachtas and European Parliament members, over the heads of its leadership, for their support for his nomination to contest the election.

The party cannot nominate a candidate with any degree of confidence, though its roots run so very deep that if any organisation was to exploit the current lacuna it would be Fianna Fáil.

Fine Gael may support MEP Gay Mitchell’s candidacy but he was not their first or even second choice and seems a throwback to the days when Fine Gael showed a spectacular talent for shooting itself in the foot. Mr Mitchell does not have the natural empathy, charisma or profile needed for office and his candidacy may bring party leader Enda Kenny’s unforeseen run of electoral successes to an end.

Labour have had the best selection process and nominated the venerable Michael D Higgins but whether he is popular enough or not to get to the Park remains to be seen.

There’s a slew of independents involved, including Dana, and the latest celebrity suggested is that of veteran broadcaster Gay Byrne.

Our political leaders’ focus may be elsewhere but it is a pity that the work to strengthen the office and role might be undone. It would be a pity if it reverted to being a half-asleep refuge for a national mascot to be rolled out only on the grandest of occasions but that’s the way it looks at the moment.