Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)

That is all right, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle. I will not name names but many people feel a certain other lady should have had a chance to run. I regret, as others do, that certain people did not get a chance. The likes of the man I mentioned did so much to secure the Good Friday Agreement and for the well-being of our country.

It is regrettable that he did not get a chance. He would have been a sound operator on the worldwide stage. We must do something different the next time. I know it is seven years away but we need to start planning now. I ask that the Government do that and take note of the fact we need to change how this is done to make the Presidency more relevant and get a larger number of people interested. It has been said that turnout in all the constituencies is expected to be very low. That shows that people are not interested. We must get people interested in and appreciative of the Presidency, give the President a good role and ensure that he or she plays an important part in the political well-being of the country.

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