The former president has exaggerated the significance of the presidential role, complicating the search for his successor. Potential candidates for Fine Gael are undeterred by Mairead McGuinness's €800,000 in office-related expenses, yet many potential contenders avoid the process due to fear of scrutiny. Although no regulations were violated, the discomfort associated with public examination deters candidates from entering the race for the presidential nomination.
The former president made the role seem like a bigger deal than it was ever intended to be, and this might be hampering the search for the next one.
Potential rivals for the nomination to become Fine Gael's candidate in the upcoming presidential election will hardly be distraught at the news that front-runner Mairead McGuinness received €800,000 in "office rent and management costs".
No rules were broken, but a reluctance to submit themselves to equally uncomfortable scrutiny may explain why so many people whose names have been floated are less than eager to throw their hats into the ring.
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