Michael Flatley, the Irish American dancer best known for Riverdance, is reportedly planning to run for president of Ireland. The 67-year-old intends to return from Monaco to Ireland and seek a nomination for the upcoming election, according to an affidavit submitted in a Dublin court on Friday.
The affidavit emerged during a legal dispute over renovations at Flatley's 18th-century estate, Castlehyde, near Fermoy in County Cork. His barrister, Ronnie Hudson, informed the court of a 'material change in circumstances', stating that Flatley would move back to Ireland within 14 days to pursue a nomination.
To be eligible, candidates must be Irish citizens aged 35 or older and secure nomination from at least 20 members of parliament or four local authorities. It remains unclear if Flatley can garner such support. The election must occur within 60 days before 11 November, when current President Michael D Higgins steps down after two terms.
Flatley hinted at a potential run in a recent RTÉ interview, saying Irish people were not 'happy right now' and lacked 'a true proper deep voice that speaks their language'. Two candidates have already secured nominations: Mairead McGuiness for Fine Gael and Catherine Connolly backed by small left-wing parties. Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin have yet to nominate.
The Independent Ireland grouping, with four parliamentary seats, said it was open to talking to Flatley and others, provided they had a 'realistic chance' of mustering 16 additional votes. Flatley has remained in the public eye since retiring, with a 2022 spy thriller film and plans for a biopic series titled Dancelord.
