Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)

I welcome this debate. Something has to change. I wish all the candidates on the ballot paper the very best. Like a lot of others, I am of the view that the chance to run for President must be opened up to many more people. The current system is very confined and, as we have seen, it is determined by a few people as to who can run. The local authorities were to have an opportunity to endorse people but members were restricted by their party hierarchies to ensure they could not vote for Independent and other candidates.

I do not like naming names but many people regret that the likes of Bertie Ahern, who we spoke about here last night regarding his role-----

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