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Kerry TD Michael Healy-Rae could be a “dark horse” in the presidential race, according to former minister Ivan Yates.
In an interview with BreakingNews.ie, Mr Yates said he had initally been surprised about speculation over the Kerry TD throwing his hat in the ring in the race for Áras an Uachtaráin, however, he now believes Mr Healy-Rae would have a good chance.
“One name I’ve picked up with my political antennae, who people believe would win if he ran is, believe it or not, Michael Healy-Rae.
“What people said to me was, if there has to be another candidate other than Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and Catherine Connolly, what about Michael Healy-Rae?
“This is from talking to people from all sorts of background, when I put it to them what do you think of the mad idea that the guy with the cap would run? They immediately said to me, both rural and Dublin, ‘oh if he ran, he’d win’.
“The Healy-Raes are seen as doers, it’s distinctive. Even second generation people in Dublin would see the merit in it, and that he has not only name recognition but a brand as well.”
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Mr Yates, who served as minister for agriculture and now hosts the Path To Power podcast with Matt Cooper, siad Mr Healy-Rae could be a “dark horse” in the upcoming presidential election.
When asked about whether Mr Healy-Rae would really consider a bid, Mr Yates said he had put it to Minister of State, but Mr Healy-Rae would “keep his cards close to his chest”.”I see him as a dark horse. Only this morning I asked him for his view, one thing is certain, he will keep his cards close to his chest. A bit like Michael McDowell, he won’t object to the speculation. It’s always nice in politics to stay in the news, there’s no downside.
“I’m surprised at the high respect he has outside of Kerry, he’s seen as a doer and a successful person in his own right.
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