Michael Flatley, the renowned creator of Riverdance, has revealed he has not ruled out entering the race to become Ireland’s next president. While an election is due this October, ahead of President Michael D. Higgins stepping down in November, Flatley has confirmed he is consulting with advisers but has yet to reach a decision. As an Irish citizen aged over 35, he meets the eligibility criteria to stand and acknowledged growing public speculation about a potential candidacy.
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Speaking to RTÉ Radio One, Flatley said he’s frequently approached in public with questions about his intentions. He attributed the speculation to a recent interview and clarified that although he takes the idea seriously, no final choice has been made. He noted his current commitments — including managing his dance business, a whiskey company, and spending time with his family — as reasons for hesitation.
Flatley expressed a desire to be a voice for ordinary Irish citizens, claiming many feel unheard and disillusioned. He questioned whether another career politician was needed in the Áras an Uachtaráin and emphasised his decades of cultural promotion as a qualification of its own. While no political party has officially approached him, he admitted to having been contacted by “people in the know”.
To run, candidates must be nominated by 20 members of the Oireachtas or four local authorities, with former presidents allowed to nominate themselves. At present, Mairead McGuinness has secured the Fine Gael nomination, while Independent TD Catherine Connolly has backing from several left-leaning parties. Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin are yet to confirm their positions. Flatley, for now, says only: “Let it be said that I stand for Ireland and the Irish people.”
