Riverdance Star looks at the Irish Presidential offer

The Creator and former star of Riverdance Michael Flatley said that he did not exclude a nomination for the Irish presidential elections.

The 67-year-old, who is known to bring Irish dancing to an international audience, said several people asked him to throw his hat into the ring.

The choice must take place before November 11th.

The incumbent president of Ireland Michael D Higgins is not entitled to stand again because he has completed two full seven -year term.

Flatley spoke to Brendan O'Connor in the RTé Radio and said that he had spent the last 30 years of his life “touring the world to promote Ireland and Irish culture”.

He said the presidency was the role of the statesman and added that he was “not sure whether we need another politician”.

The former dancer added that he heard the concerns of the “average person on the street” and that they are not “happy” at the moment.

“If I thought I could be useful and – maybe even more important – if I thought I could be a voice of the Irish,” he said.

“At the moment I don't think you have a voice – not a true, right, deep voice that you know that she speaks her language.”

Flatley, who was born in Chigago, would be entitled to run because he has Irish citizenship.

He said he advised himself with a “team of consultants” before making a final decision.

The Irish American, who stopped his dance shoes in 2016, said he had a lot to consider whether he should look for a nomination.

“I have a big business, I have an army of dancers who count on me to make a living,” he said.

“I have a whiskey company, a beautiful young woman and a beautiful son with whom I want to spend time.

“I'm taking it seriously, but no, I didn't make a decision.”

In 1994 he helped start the Irish dance spectacle Riverdance after performing at the Eurovision Song Contest in Dublin.

After Eurovision, Riverdance turned into an arena tour.

A few years later, Michael Flatley developed his own show, Lord of the Dance.

In order to run for the Irish presidency, a candidate must be an Irish citizen who is 35 years or older.

They must be nominated either by at least 20 members of the Oireaachtas (Irish parliamentary houses) or at least four local authorities (councils).

A president is elected for a term of seven years, but cannot be more than two terms of office.

So far, two candidates have been announced to replace President Higgins.

The former EU Commissioner and Mep Mairead McGuinness is running for Fine Gael, while TD (member of the parliament) runs Catherine Connolly as independent after securing the support of 20 Oireaachtas members.