Presidential candidate withdraws - But Craughwell started a debate

Independent Senator Gerard Craughwell has decided not to contest the presidential election in the autumn, citing financial costs.

Yet, by declaring himself a candidate last year, Senator Craughwell has done the State some service. He has galvanised renewed public interest in a presidential election and ensured that the voice of the people will be heard directly in choosing who will be Ireland’s head of state for the next seven years.