How does being part of the media that failed to warn of the disastrous course we were on, qualify one for the Presidency?

There was a failure of politics, and a failure in the media (it is arguable that the bankers and developers were just doing what they would do anywhere in the world if politicians and the media were foolish enough to let them do as they wished.)

Wanting a non-political President sounds populist but it is ultimately elitist and profoundly undemocratic. Just because this Irish electorate consistently votes for amadans doesn't mean that democracy and political activity is wrong. It just means those who vote for amadans are wrong. Nobody puts a gun to voter's heads to make them elect fools. They do so of their own free will.

I too am interested in "throwing my hat in the ring" like and others who have been linked to the job I have zero qualifications for it...and shure that has never stopped any of our elected so called elite form taking hundreds of thousands a year to run this great country off a F**king cliff because of their utter incompetence so I consider myself a front runner for this well paid handy number......who ever next Dustin the turkey?

A lady who has produced seven Children and Continues to look a million dollars deserves to be the next President of the Country.
She also has more brains than the majority of sitting T D's in Leinster House.

Vote for me people of Ireland.I will be totally honest and transparent and an ideal canditate because..
1] I will be in it for the money and free accomadation only.
2] I have about as much knowledge of running a country as the last two silly geese.
3] I know my job will be a president not a fustrated engineer,as I know FK all about "bridge building to Northern Ireland"
4]I am actually a citizen of the Irish Republic,not a British citizen.
5]200k a year is what I would need to earn in five years,so I would be quite happy to work for 50K PA with the perks at this job.
6]I will make sure that next St Patricks day the US president gets somthing more intresting than a fruit bowl from a now defunct glass company in Ireland.How about a nice fertilizer bag full of turf??

The history of media personalities tilting at national public office in this State is characterised by a lack of staying power and limited effectiveness.

Over 27,000 people, for example, placed their faith in Geoge Lee who stormed out of Leinster House like a spoiled wimp after 247 days as a TD; squandered his authenticity and credibility and thumbed his nose at the electorate, as he told them "I came here to score goals and nobody would pass me the ball, so I'm going home to mammy"

Other media figures have lasted only one term in Leinster House before their stamina flagged so competence in communicating with the masses does not necessarily translate into qualities that are desirable, especially in a pivotal public office.

The presidency is an important and dynamic office that requires candidates with stamina and commitment, who demonstrates a compelling understanding of the office and its potential and can connect convincingly with the zeitgeist of the nation. The factors that made the McAleese presidency so successful will differ from those that will enable the next president win the trust, affection and respect of the nation.

Miriam has many endearing qualities and could be become a credible candidate but the nation needs to learn much more about her, her values and become persuaded that her vision is not based on a whimisical, vacuous ego trip.

The choosing of candidates for the presidency will be a real litmus test for the political parties and the depth of their understanding of the mood of the electorate. This office is not a rest home for obsolete, jaded politicians but it does requires sophisticated, rounded, mature candidates skilled in the art of State-craft whose life experience, both positive and negative which could include political office, relates to that of the electorate and can contribute to the development and impact of the presidency.

Perhaps it is time for a man in his mid to late 40's, who typically remains calm and gracious under pressure and provocation, who has no controversial baggage, and does have a sufficent ability in vernacular English not to use meaningless cliches; maybe has a supportive, articulate and accomplished wife, perhaps with a different, but complimentary, background and three or four children!

I find the comments very negative here. She is more than qualified for the Job. She would make a fantastic host, is very intelligent and knows an awful about Politics and how politics work in Ireland. To finish with, One of the comments by a Maire claims Miriam is not attractive. Maire, as a man, I think Miriam is an extremely attractive woman as do all of my mates.

p.s. If BC turns up at the Aras with his resignation I will gladly accept it.

As long as she is not in the pocket of any political party as is standard practise. McAleese had the temerity to sign off on NAMA without a care in the world for her people. As a mother,(and all that job demands) as someone who is not afraid to ask hard questions, and as someone who has more brains in her head than the two Brian's and the four Mary's she is more than quaified. I am sure she will do a better job than the current incumbent, who when the chips were down, would not call her Council of State to even "discuss" the possibility of forming a government of national unity. She then sleep walked her way through NAMA and signing off on a body (NAMA) which is more than likely highly unconstitutional. Then again, if you think NAMA is for the common good, maybe I am wrong. Remember though, and bear in mind, that before you can get into or be taken into NAMA your loans must exceed 5,000,000 Euro. So it can hardly be argued that "the only game in town" was for the common good as required under the constitution. BTW Miriam was one of the first RTE people to take a cut and I remember her saying she would be prepared to take another she is a realist.

This is the funniest article I've read in a few weeks. My stomach is in spasm. The great Swiftian tradition of caustic and profound humour lives on. Thanks guys.

A woman's place, especially when she is a wife and mother, is in the home. And Miriam O'Callaghan has greater responsibility and is more qualified than most women to stay in the home if the size of she and her husband's children are concerned.

Pathetic. We don't need a D4 cliquette as President of Ireland, to even be considering it shows the mess Irish politics are in. I 'd rather we had a vacant Presidency than one with almost any of the names I've heard to date. Miriam O'Callaghan as President, dear god....and I thought the Californians were a bit loopy for electing Arnie.

Fergus Finlay, the Bernardos boss would be a better choice or Micheal D Higgins. Maybe Adi Roche could run again? But not Miriam O'Callaghan. Or Brian Crowley for that matter, no thanks (even if he is from the same neck of the woods as me)

I think she would do a great job. One of the candidates is a frightening prospect. If he gets the job I will emigrate.