What kind of preparation do you do prior to debates?
I have had a lot of experience of speaking on the national and international stage and I think the best thing is to go in with a fresh approach and open mind, ready to listen and respond to the concerns and issues that emerge. I don’t like to prepare set pieces but I have a set of values which will guide me in answering any unusual question and I do also like to read up and have my facts clear. I think anyone who has ever spoken to a crowded room knows that it does always take a little bit of courage – I still remember how nervous I was the first time I ever stood up to speak out at a meeting on social justice.
It helps that my message during this campaign has been clear; inclusive citizenship in a creative society as part of a real republic and an Irishness of which we can be proud internationally as well as nationally. When it comes to debating the crucial thing has been to get that across – not always easy!
Have you learned anything about yourself or other candidates’ style of debating during the debates?
I have got to know the other six better- I would know David Norris and Gay Mitchell from the Oireachtas, and once stood against Dana when she sought election in Galway West. The other three I probably knew less well but certainly do now!
Where will you be voting on Election Day?
I will be voting with my wife and four children in Bushy Park National school, close to my home in Galway.
Which Irish president most inspires you and why?
I think that Mary McAleese and Mary Robinson were both wonderful presidents in the ways in which they have modernised and to a certain extent re-imagined the office and I have a regard for Patrick Hillary also.
Should you not win this election, who would you like to win and what’s next for you?
I haven’t given it any thought! Every candidate has different experience and perspectives to offer – however for now I am focused on the pressing forward with the campaign and think, and hope, that I will win.
What is the one thing you regret about the way you’ve conducted your campaign?
I can honestly say that I very happy with the way in which my campaign was conducted, I think we set a tone early on that would be respectful to the office and to the other candidates. I have been struck by the groundswell of support and the many creative campaigning ideas I have been receiving from every quarter over the last week has been wonderful and I think you always wish you had another few days to follow up on every idea!
What is the one thing you are proud about the way you’ve conducted your campaign?
I am proud of the way that I and the whole election team, and the thousands of volunteers who have helped in so many different ways, have conducted the campaign. A wonderful thing for me was meeting so many people, and seeing the many creative ways in which communities are working together to help transform our country from the ground up. It was also great to get to spend so much time on the road with my wife Sabina who has been with me every step of the way over the past number of months as well as offering invaluable support over a life spent campaigning and working for the public. During my time in the Dáil I would have been away from home for half the week, and it has been lovely to spend so much time with her during the campaign.
What do you think that candidates’ in future presidential campaigns could do to cut out negative electioneering?
I have not been involved in any negative campaigning in this campaign or in any campaign over a public career of almost four decades. I have stood on my record and vision and I think that if this is the approach you take there is no need for any negativity. I do think that it is absolutely healthy and appropriate that candidates should answer questions and address concerns of the public as to their record and judgement – any voter should feel entitled to ask a legitimate or factual question. I do think that when this veers into a focus on the personal that needs to be looked at.
This has been a new and different kind of election, very different from a general election or even the last Presidential election, particularly due to the different strands of communications media and I think there is probably some things to be reflected on in terms of the media also.
Who do you think is your main voter bloc and how you have you tried to build bridges to other parts of the electorate?
I think that I have a sizeable support from all sections of the electorate, both by age, region and any other demographic. The many and varied polls make that clear and it is a trend which was always obvious during my time in the Dáil- you don’t win a Dáil seat eight different times without enjoying a broad appeal, especially in a constituency like Galway West where there are very rural parts, a Gaeltacht, a large city, expanding suburban areas and the like.
What Sunday papers do you read and why?
I try to read the majority of them-especially during a campaign, like this one- and really have no particular allegiance to any. I do miss the Sunday Tribune: I would have read that, along with the Sunday Independent, Sunday Business Post and one or two others.
What’s your strut tune?
I don’t think I have a ‘strut’ tune! I have been delighted to meet many, many friends who are musicians over the duration of the campaign and am grateful to artists like the Stunning, David Kitt, Mary Coughlan and the Sawdoctors for their support and concerts for me over the course of the campaign. Another fantastic experience was seeing the Young Strings in Naas who were excellent and who also played at my campaign launch.
Beyond them, I am a big fan of Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson.
Can you take a photo or send us a photo of a drawing that will sum up your presidency, should you win this presidential election?
I certainly could- but it may have to wait! There have been literally thousands of photos taken and a large number of pictures and images produced also. I will be looking through them all when time permits after the weekend.
