Our uninspired choice for President

MICHAEL D HIGGINS owes Martin McGuinness a big favour. But for him, he would not now be the President of Ireland. He only won the title by default.

When McGuinness entered the race, his presence injected some much-needed excitement and vitality into what had hitherto been a lacklustre campaign. All the other candidates paled into utter insignificance beside him.

He alone stood out as presidential material, he had the indefinable quality and charisma of a true leader. But the people were afraid, and the cosy establishment went into overdrive in its efforts to discredit his candidacy.