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White eyes presidency ELECTION fever has gripped Senator
Mary White after she announced plans to run for the Irish presidency —
almost a full four years before polling day.
The Fianna Fáiler revealed she would seek her party’s nomination
to succeed Mary McAleese in 2011 as Ms White admitted she had always done
things differently to other politicians.
The senator said: “I never did anything in my life by conventional
methods. I have never been a stereotype.
“I got myself elected to the Oireachtas against the odds and remain
one of too-few women here.
“We have become far too materialistic and I want to help heal some
of the social wounds.
“I would like to see much more attention given to children and also
suicide prevention.”
Ms White also said she would immediately bow out of the race if Taoiseach
Bertie Ahern decided to go for the top job in Irish politics.
But she added she thought Mr Ahern would be better off in the new role
as president of Europe for which former British premier Tony Blair is
now campaigning.
“I wouldn’t go against the Taoiseach but I hope he will get
the top European job — he certainly deserves it,” she said.
Ms White co-founded the chocolate-making company Lir and is married to
Pádraic O’Connor — the multi-millionaire former NCB
Stockbrokers managing director. |
