From GAA superstar Jack Lynch who became taoiseach to RTÉ journalist George Lee whose political career was brief – for decades Irish voters have been presented at the polls with a range of well-known names.
If the recent celebrity-filled European elections are anything to go by, the candidate list for the next general election will include a sprinkle of high profile names which the parties hope will break through the noise because of their name recognition among with voters.
Well-known TV presenters Grainne Seoige and Alison Comyn have already been signed up by Fianna Fáil to go before the electorate, while others, particularly sporting names will likely emerge as the weeks go on as all parties hunt out candidates with strong name recognition.
But why does that matter? And just because someone is glowing on the red carpet or the pitch, does it mean they’ll be good on policy?
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Irish Times political correspondent Harry McGee explains why familiar names are so appealing to political parties and the electorate.
Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Declan Conlon and Suzanne Brennan.
