World of Politics with Harry McGee

I bumped into a veteran politician not long ago whose name was being loosely mentioned as a presidential contender. Are you interested in a run? I asked.

“No way. It would be like being sentenced to open prison for seven years,” he replied.

Of course, there are huge advantages. A high salary. State cars. Staff. A magnificent mansion in the Phoenix Park. Guest of honour at so many events: sporting, cultural, political, community and State events.

And of course the prestige and honour of being First Citizen, the titular head of the Nation. But for that you sacrifice an unfettered freedom. Your movements are corralled, your schedule is full, there are so many restrictions on your time. Even what you say is no longer completely free. And besides a number of rarely invoked Constitutional powers, the sway you have on society is symbolic rather than tangible.

There are ample awards. But your life has limits imposed on it. It becomes a sort of political version of the Truman Show.

So obviously it is not for everyone.

But obviously, too, it is for some, and quite a lot of them judging by the number of people who have put themselves forward as possible candidates.

This week alone, we have had Bob Geldof and meteorologist Joanna Donnelly being added to the list of possibles.

I spoke to a number of county council chairs, with some saying they had received between 10 to 14 letters from hopefuls, looking to be allowed to make a pitch at a special meeting in their chambers. Some are actually no-hopers chancing their arms. But there are a few who might stand a chance, including Donnelly and the young Dublin entrepreneur Gareth Sheridan.

All that said, the most fascinating addition to the slate of possibles is Jim Gavin, the former Dublin football manager.

The thing about Gavin is that despite being such a public figure, and despite having such a long list of achievements in his career, not all that much is known about him.

Pictured: Jim Gavin: The most fascinating addition to the race for the Áras.