It was the strangest of days.
August is usually decried as “peak silly season” as the Dáil, courts, schools and many commentators are off.
But it’s also seen as a great time to get airtime, should you need it.
Gareth Sheridan, the businessman bidding to be Ireland’s youngest ever President at 35, launched his campaign on Thursday in the serene surrounds of The Shelbourne, in the Constitution room, no less.
Surrounded by portraits of the greats of Irish history like Michael Collins and Éamon de Valera as well as a dozen journalists, the young businessman set out his stall.
But he opened up a can of worms when he said he felt there was a campaign being orchestrated against him, while saying he wasn’t pointing the finger at any individual.
Cue 20 minutes of questions about that very topic.
The whole press conference took an hour, and to his credit, Mr Sheridan took it in his stride; is he populist? He says no, while saying he wants to “Make Ireland Home Again”.
But the toughest thing about his launch?
Events, dear boy, events.
Barely three hours later, news landed into newsrooms and journalists’ emails like a bombshell.
Mairead McGuinness was withdrawing from the presidential race, on health grounds.
There was heartfelt shock and messages of support from across the political divide.
Understandably most keenly felt in Fine Gael, who had nominated the former EU commissioner last month.
As stated both in her own statement and by the Tánaiste, Ms McGuinness decided to, and had to, prioritise her health.
For a politician of over 20 years, and a career in journalism before that, the additional blow of this being her best shot at a job she so clearly wanted made it all the more poignant.
Mairead McGuinness wanted to run in 2011 but dropped out to clear the way for Gay Mitchell.
2025 could have been her year, according to polls, but it’s not to be.
Where does this leave Fine Gael, who were far ahead of their partners in Government and their natural foes, Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin?
You could count Fianna Fáil there twice. I’m looking up at you Collins and Dev.
Several senior Fine Gael ministers and former ministers say the party should and will field a candidate.
Their Executive Council will meet shortly to choose the person and keep the momentum going.
Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin are biding their time.
The feeling of TDs in both parties is they should nominate a candidate, but there are pros and cons to that.
It costs a lot of money, and a significant spend is no guarantee of success.
It might make sense to wait and see who Fine Gael chooses.
Frances Fitzgerald says her decision remains the same as previously, and she won’t seek the nomination.
While MEP Seán Kelly says he will “most likely reconsider” his possible candidacy in the campaign “in light of Mairead’s unfortunate withdrawal”.
Heather Humphreys is the name on everyone’s lips, but she’s keeping hers shut, for now.
Michael Healy-Rae, the Independent minister, says she would make an excellent candidate, and would appeal to a wide base.
That won’t be music to any other potential contender’s ears.
If Simon Harris, or anyone else in Fine Gael could persuade Heather Humphreys to reconsider, it would certainly be an interesting development.
Up until recently, this presidential campaign was sorely lacking in those.
