Gerry as Uachtaran na hEireann? New SF leader?

[Justin]

If the Star came back with this in 20 years they might have a story.As it is trying to put the wind up middle Ireland with 'the Provos are coming to take our Presidency' is poor stuff and has been done already.

[rockofcashel]

he'd get the hiding of his life.

Would you take odds on him getting a better result than "Chicken Currie" managed in 1990 for FG ?

Look, as has already been said here, it's a non story, because even if Gerry fancied the gig, which I doubt he does, it is unlikely in current circumstances.

Firstly, it would only be with FF support. Outside of the abberation that was 1990, FF own the Presidency... (without needing 50% + 1 FPV by the way, to the amatuer psephologists). There doesn't seem to be any appetite within FF to give up that little sinecure so easily.

(note to the few FGers who've posted... no need to worry, your votes wouldn't matter a damn in any FF/SF Presidential "agreement")

Secondly, why would he want the job. It's very restrictive, and he's a lot more important work to do politically for the next five to ten years.

Thirdly, the timing is wrong. The next President is likely to be Bertie Ahern. All indications point to that. He steps down mid-term after this years election .... say 2009, takes a year off, Mc Aleese has to step down in 2011, Bertie steps back into the breach as "The Peoples President", gives FF another Berties Boost prior to the next GE in 2012, and takes the salute on the GPO in 2016.

All wrapped up nice and sweet. By the time 2018 comes around .. Gerry's too old, and too long out of politics, retiring gracefully as the grand old man of Irish Republicanisn, as Sinn Fein make huge gains on the back of the 100 year nostalgia fomented by the huge 2016 celebrations, and the 100th anniversary of "The Sinn Féin Election.

Done and dusted .. move on now, no story here.

[Coles]

Six years ago I made a wager that Adams would be President by 2020... I was ridiculed at the time (and still am!) but consider how my chances of winning have improved since 2001... The possibility of Adams being President can now actually be discussed. I would accept that there would be a large amount of resistance to his candidacy, and it's still an outside chance...

[factual]

Have just finished reading a story in this morning's Star which 'claims' that when Gerry steps down as President of SF and that SF will nominate him as their candidate in a presidential election.
Although all this has been denied by a party spokesperson.

So could he win : Is Ireland ready for its first SF President : and a teaser for all - who would succeed him as SF leader : Marty, Pat, Gerry K, Mary Lou :

I personally think Sinn Féin should go for someone from the next generation and wouild personally favour Mary Lou.

[padraig]

Have just finished reading a story in this morning's Star which 'claims' that when Gerry steps down as President of SF and that SF will nominate him as their candidate in a presidential election.
Although all this has been denied by a party spokesperson.

So could he win : Is Ireland ready for its first SF President : and a teaser for all - who would succeed him as SF leader : Marty, Pat, Gerry K, Mary Lou :

I personally think Sinn Féin should go for someone from the next generation and wouild personally favour Mary Lou.

Why does that not surprise me, coming from you.

[angelcountry]

Have just finished reading a story in this morning's Star which 'claims' that when Gerry steps down as President of SF and that SF will nominate him as their candidate in a presidential election.
Although all this has been denied by a party spokesperson.

So could he win : Is Ireland ready for its first SF President : and a teaser for all - who would succeed him as SF leader : Marty, Pat, Gerry K, Mary Lou :

Sir Gerry Adams for president and Sir Martin Mcguinness for sinn fein
President of the party which is the perfect way to organise the party :!:

[Deep Throat]

David Cullinane will be the next President of SF

[caractacus]

You really are obsessed with David Cullinane are'nt you Deep Throat...Is it some form of obsessive compulsive disorder?

[Deep Throat]

well he has a better chance of becoming president of sf, than adams has in becoming president of the 26 counties

[The Analyser]

well he has a better chance of becoming president of sf, than adams has in becoming president of the 26 counties

President of Ireland. Are so-called republicans incapable of using correct titles?