Joan Freeman

We are a very different Ireland than we were seven years ago and I think what we need now is to turn the lens back from the world onto ourselves and in particular, onto our social issues.

Over the last two months, people have described the limits of the office of President. They are right, but they ignore the power it has to illuminate, to symbolise and to represent.

Recent presidents have highlighted that hidden power, and I intend to as well. Indeed, that is exactly why I am running.

Because let’s face it, there are issues that need illuminating. There are people that need representing and the symbolic power of the Presidency can do both.

One of the simplest but most powerful ways for a President to do this is to leverage the media. Where the President goes, the media follows and the attention of the country shifts.

I want to be the President that brings a national lens to the well-being of our people.

What issues do you believe need highlighting on the national stage?

As President, I will continue to work for the betterment of our most vulnerable people with care, compassion and empathy.