One political commentator says he would “tick a lot of boxes”.
Irish comedian Tommy Tiernan has been tipped to run for President of Ireland in the next election.
The possibility was discussed by journalist Matt Cooper and former politician Ivan Yate’s podcast Path to Power, where they both backed the 55-year-old to win if he runs.
“There were strong rumours last year that Michael D. Higgins was looking to endorse a candidate Tommy Tiernan,” said Cooper.
“Michael D has a major grá for Tommy Tiernan, who he regards as an intellectual, who he regards as a deep thinker about issues.”
Tommy Tiernan tipped to run for President of Ireland
The RTÉ talk-show host has reportedly been in meetings with Michael D. Higgins about the possibility of running, with the current President happy to endorse him.
Yates responded that Tiernan “would tick a lot of boxes” if he decided to become a candidate and joked that he would put a bet on him to win.
“People look at the lighter side, away from party politics. He went through a period where he’s the dole – very relatable.”
Referring to current Ukrainian president and former entertainer Volodymyr Zelensky, Yates added: “We have a stand-up comedian running Ukraine, why not Ireland?”
President Higgins has just over a year until he is expected to move out of Áras an Uachtaráin
The last election took place in 2018, which saw Higgins win by over 55%, where he was up against the likes of Dragon’s Den alumni Gavin Duffy, Peter Casey and Séan Gallagher.
For the upcoming election, rumours have surrounded the likes of Micheál Martin and Bertie Ahern.
Speaking last year on the Late Late Show with former host Ryan Tubridy, former Taoiseach Ahern was asked about the possibility of running.
He replied by saying “Next question”, intimating that it was a topic was something he’d rather not discuss.
Tubridy then responded “I’ll take that as a yes. Even I’m around long enough to know what that answer is”.
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