It would be an understatement to say that the Presidential campaign is boring and annoying me at the same time.  Apart from the continual reinterpretation of the constitution and the promises to have conversations, change, create jobs (Niall O’Dowd), protect the unborn (Mitchell) the way in which hopeful candidates are broadcasting everything as they open an envelope or visit or  for example meet with  people with disabilities is getting tiresome.

Earlier this year I picked David Norris up on the way in which he praised (via twitter) staff working with people with disabilities after visiting a residential centre.  It was a mix of the poor unfortunates with the how wonderful the staff are which got me – staff should be doing a good job and we should expect no less and the Presidency is one for all the people and not just for those who can vote.  Norris or a member of his team said they did not intend to be interpreted that way.

Maybe it is not surprising if one’s experience of disability is continually launching charity initiatives and speaking at fundraisers.  The recession has definitely removed what rights ethos surrounding disability there was and reintroduced the charity bucket and opportunity to go before the cameras.

Now the Special Olympics are taking place in Greece and it brings more  ethical concerns about the use (overt or otherwise) of the disabled in campaigning. 

The Special Olympics movement would not be as big and successful as it is in Ireland and Europe without the efforts of Mary Davis however it now appears that she and her campaign are going to use the day job to (tweet) remind us of how wonderful she is. And how she can meet important/famous people and look good on ‘the job’.

As the games progress one would hope that Ms. Davis would use the time to promote the efforts of the athletes rather than that of the candidate or else just get on with her job and we’ll see her back on the campaign trail next week.  

The entire presidential campaign so far is all about the egos of the candidates with Avril Doyle and her ‘basket of talents’ the latest to enter the fray to astound us with her wares (and nark about ‘new’ fine gaelers like Cox and McGuinness while she is at it!)

It appears to be too much to hope that this campaign will be free of candidates doing good works and visiting and mentioning the unfortunates and patting communities on the back.

While it is essential to have confidence when running for public office the office of President is fast losing it’s respect by the conduct of the campaign and ‘visions’ being launched by candidates.

Update: Before even getting a chance to watch an Irish competitor win the first medal for the team, Mary Davis has returned home.  Athens loss is Sligo’s gain as she goes to speak with them informally.   Job done eh?