Lord of the Dance and Riverdance star Michael Flatley has confirmed he is “seriously considering” running for the Áras.
As first reported by the Irish Examiner, informed sources indicated that the businessman is prepared to enter the presidential race and is seriously considering a run.
On Saturday, Mr Flatley said: “Everywhere I walk down the street, people stop and ask me” about running for president.
“I take it seriously,” he added.
The dancer said he now has a “team of advisers” guiding him on the matter.
When asked about his intentions on RTÉ’s Brendan O’Connor Show, Mr Flatley said his final decision would depend on whether he believed he could benefit the Irish people.
He said that, at present, he believes the Irish people don’t have a voice, and that if he thought he could be that voice, he would seriously consider running.
“Somebody has to speak for the Irish people, I’m not sure we need another politician.”
While he noted that no political party has contacted him, he added: “I have been approached by some very weighted individuals — people in the know.”
Flatley said it is “frustrating” for Irish taxpayers who feel they are not being heard.
“Let it be said that I speak for Ireland and the Irish people.”
Mr Flatley was among the invited guests at the White House in March when the Taoiseach presented a bowl of shamrock to US President Donald Trump.
He also attended the US Embassy’s Fourth of July celebrations in Dublin last Thursday, where he entertained over 2,500 guests with a tune on the flute.