The People’s Views on the Presidency

With only two weeks left to D-day the presidential race has been heating up especially in the last week. The scandal surrounding Dana Rosemary Scallon and her various family members, the continual haranguing of Martin McGuinness for his IRA connections and the controversial decision that allowed David Norris to re-enter the race are some of the topical issues open for discussion.

As this is ultimately the decision of the Irish nation on who should become our next president it is important to get the word from the horse’s mouth, so to speak. Talking to individuals on the streets of Galway made it obvious that there are widely contrasting opinions among the people.

One of the most significant findings was that not everybody is interested in having their say. This appears to be due to a lack of interest and in some cases ignorance about the voting system and politics in general. There was an obvious indifference in the tone of some of the people who spoke and this is a sad if not surprising fact. Catriona (24) and Sinead (23) both from Galway said they wouldn’t be voting in the presidential election 2011. When pressed on why they had made this decision their faces were blank and devoid of opinion. This may amaze some people but it is true for a large majority of young people.

As there is no pressure to vote and politics is not exactly the coolest thing to be interested in, young adults often disregard it.  Like magpies, they are drawn to the glossy items on the world agenda, celebrities and such frivolous matters. Who’s wearing what, who’s doing who and so forth. Considering the younger generation are generally the first to complain when things go bad, they should probably think about educating themselves on how politics can work in their favour.

In contrast to this attitude, other people had a great deal to say. The overall viewpoint form everyone who chipped in was that while they are not impressed with any of the candidates, Michael D Higgins was the frontrunners. To quote Aideen (21) from Ballinasloe he is the ‘best of a bad lot’.

This is far from an optimistic outlook but it was the general consensus among the cross- section of people asked to voice their views. Orla (24) from Ennis agreed whole-heartedly with Aideen. She will be voting for Michael D Higgins on the day. It is a family tradition to support the Labour Party and she thinks he seems like ‘a nice man’.

Mary Davis was mentioned by Michelle(23) from Tuam. She admires the work Mary has done for the Special Olympics and feels this is a worthy cause. Paul (20) from Galway agreed with this stating that Mary seems ‘nice’. Of course maybe nice isn’t exactly the best word for the person who will become in theory the head of our country. However if it is true that the Presidency is merely a figurehead position then maybe nice fits the bill exactly.

Sean Gallagher was also suggested by Bryanna (22) from Dublin. "He might bring some money into the country" she said. Indeed if he could manage to do this he would reach God like status never mind the presidency! Mary (45) from Gort is also a Gallagher fan but admits it is because she is a staunch Fianna Fail supporter and Gallagher has links with this party.

It must be said that the opinions given were certainly varying but there are definite frontrunners emerging. However who knows, it may be an independent figure such as Sean Gallagher who is summoned to take the stage. It remains to be seen. Friday 27^th of October will see a new face represent our country and it us, the people of Ireland who make this choice. This duty is not to be taken lightly.