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.

It is, after all, the highest office in the land. It will be the first election involving a sitting president since 1966.

Senator Craughwell said he put himself forward as a potential candidate to open up a “serious national conversation on the presidential nomination and election process”.

He has certainly done that. As a result of his initial decision, Sinn Féin is putting forward a candidate and while Fianna Fáil is backing the President, party councillors have been told they are free to nominate Independent candidates.

There is no doubt that anyone running against Michael D will face a considerable challenge. He remains hugely popular, well-liked, and well-respected and is seen as a great ambassador for Ireland. A recent poll shows that more than two-thirds of people want him to remain in the Áras.

President Higgins has not voiced his opinion on the prospect of an election, but, as a committed democrat, it is unlikely he will have difficulty with it. He might even relish it.