Mick Clifford: Maria Steen’s late bid for presidency lacks the groundwork to succeed

Presidential elections should demand grit, planning and sacrifice — not last-minute declarations or vanity bids dressed as democracy

Presidential hopeful Maria Steen, right, claims to represent a constituency that is not served in the current political firmament. File Picture: Sam Boal/Collins

Last Monday, a motley crew of 14 candidates filed into Kerry County Council as if they were cast offs from a unisex Rose of Tralee tribute contest.

They each wanted the council to, as a body, nominate them to run for President. It requires the nod from at least four local authorities or 20 Oireachtas members for a nomination. In filed the applicants, or contestants, to make their pitch.