During an interview on this morning’s RTÉ Radio One, former Eurovision winner Linda Martin hinted that she could be open to running as a candidate for the Irish presidency.
Linda Martin for President?
Earlier today, Ireland’s Eurovision Song Contest 1992 winner Linda Martin suggested on Irish radio that she is interested in becoming the next Irish President. The Belfast-native revealed the shocking news during an interview on RTÉ Radio One. Responding to Oliver Callan and Jason Byrne, Linda said that she is “mulling it over” and on further pressing, stated:
Listen you two, in future address me as ‘Lady President’. I’m saying nothing at all. That’s all I’m saying. Aw, you’ll have to wait and see now. Can you imagine all the dogs in Áras? I was approached [by a party], It sound’s bizarre but sure!. Let’s just say, I’m mulling it over.
Linda Martin on RTÉ Radio One
Although unable to go into too much detail, animal welfare activist Linda revealed that she had been approached by a political party and that if a bid for presidency is taken seriously, she would choose to represent a party, rather than stand as an Independent candidate. Fellow Irish Eurovision alumni, Dana also tried to run for the presidency in 1997 and 2011. Resulting in winning a seat at the European Parliament in 1999.
The current Irish President, Michael D Higgins has been in the post for two terms for a total of seven years. This is the maximum length of time a President can hold power in Ireland. In order to be eligible as a candidate must be over 35 and be a citizen of Ireland. To be nominated as a candidate, the person can either receive 20 nominations by the members of the Oireachtas, be nominated by a minimum of four local authorities or a former or retiring President can nominate themselves if they have only served one term.
Linda Martin’s Eurovision journey
Born in Belfast in 1952, Linda Martin has established herself as legacy artist of the Irish music and entertainment industry. In 1969 she joined the Irish band Chips, releasing numerous hit singles. Throughout the 70s and 80s, the group attempted to represent the nation at the Eurovision Song Contest on four occasions. After the group disbanded, Linda Martin began to pursue a solo career.
However, her determination to represent Ireland on the biggest stage in Europe never wavered. In total Linda Martin has participated in the Irish national selection for Eurovision nine times. The breakthrough came in 1984 when Linda represented Ireland for the first time in 1984 with, ‘Terminal 3’. During the contest she placed second. In 1992, Linda went on to represent Ireland for the second time with, ‘Why Me?’. On this occasion, Linda won the contest with 155 points during a dominant era for the Emerald Isle. Both entries were written by Johnny Logan, arguably the most successful composer in Eurovision history.
Since winning Eurovision, Linda has gone on to a successful TV, theatre and entertainment career. Over the years, Linda has still been part of Irish national selections as a panellist, Eurovision mentor to the next generation of Irish entrants and as a guest performer. Most notably the jaw dropping moment, when she appeared in the video for Anna Kearney’s Junior Eurovision entry, ‘Banshee’ in 2019.
Recently, Linda returned to the Late Late Eurosong, wowing the audience alongside Niamh Kavanagh and Eimear Quinn to perform Loreen’s Eurovision 2023 winning entry, ‘Tattoo’.
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