A court has been told that Michael Flatley is to seek a nomination to become Ireland's next president.
This comes after an affidavit was signed by Flatley's solicitor Maxwell Mooney, and was submitted to the court, which stated that the Riverdance star is "to seek nominations to run for president of Ireland".
This was confirmed by his barrister during a High Court case which he took regarding to works carried out at his mansion in Co Cork, the Castlehyde. The court was informed by barrister Ronnie Hudson that there was a "material change in circumstances" for the choreographer, adding that he is due to move back to Ireland within the next fortnight, and looks to run in the presidential election this Autumn.
In court, defence barristers have claimed that this affidavit was an attempt by Flatley to "move the goalposts". It was claimed in court by Andrew Fitzpatrick SC that Mr Flatley had said in 2024 that he had intended to move to Paris and then Valencia.
Mr Fitzpatrick claimed that if the court was prepared to admit the affidavit, it would undermine pervious claims made by Mr Flatley's side that the reason he is living in Monaco and cannot return to the state is because of the condition of the Castlehyde.
Elsewhere, Ms Justice Eileen Roberts stated that Mr Flatley's residence "is so central to the issue of security of costs" in the case, that she would allow the affidavit to be considered. She also said she "entirely" heard submissions made by the defence regarding the characteristics of the affidavit, and what weight it should be afforded.
Ms Justice Roberts added that the judgement is in relation t0 the costs application to be delivered in a "reasonably short period", adding that it would be given "shortly after" the end of the courts term.
In order to run for president, a person must be an Irish citizen aged 35 years old or older.
At the time of writing, two candidates have been sufficiently backed to run, including former journalist and EU commissioner Mairead McGuinness, a Fine Gael nominee, as well wing independent and former Galway mayor Catherine Connolly, who has been backed by opposition parties and independents.
Other figures who have hinted that they intended to run included former MMA star Conor McGregor, who has openly criticised the Irish Government's policies regarding immigration and public safety.
An election for the next Irish President is to take place towards the end of October. It must take place in the 60 days prior to President Michael D Higgins' end of term on 11 November.
