Mitchell upbeat despite poor showing in polls
Presidential hopeful Gay Mitchell has today warned that choosing celebrity over substance would be a serious mistake for Ireland.
The Fine Gael candidate defended his low poll ratings stating he has the most experience, energy and innovation for the post.
The upbeat politician maintained he can top the election - with transfers - despite languishing anywhere from fourth to sixth place after his support nosedived in recent weeks.
"I'm telling you now, the likelihood is that I will win this election and in three weeks time we'll know the outcome for sure," he told RTÉ's 'This Week'.
"The country definitely needs somebody there who will imbue confidence and knows how to network and has the experience and innovation."
The battle for the presidency has been billed as a two-horse race after separate polls put Labour's Michael D Higgins in front with 'Dragon's Den' star Sean Gallagher a close second.
Sinn Féin's Martin McGuinness remains third, with independents Senator David Norris, Mary Davis and Dana Rosemary Scallon lagging behind.
Mr Mitchell's dire showing, at between 9-10%, prompted Taoiseach Enda Kenny to call for the party machine to get behind their man.
The MEP maintained nobody up for the job has more experience in local, national and European government than him.
He vowed to restore confidence in this country so children do not have to become part of a Skype generation while a President "sips champagne in the park reading poetry".
"The decisions we make now, if we chose celebrity over substance, then we are making a very serious mistake," he continued.
"I think there are people who are very good candidates but really don't have the experience or vision that I have.
"I'm not going to name names," he added when pushed.
Candidates in the race for the Aras were out in force canvassing in the countdown to the October 27 election.
Mr Higgins campaigned at Airfield Autumn Festival in Dundrum, while Ms Davis attended at Limerick Racecourse.
Independent Mr Gallagher was at Blanchardstown Shopping Centre a day after he confirmed he only officially resigned Fianna Fáil's National Executive last January.
Meanwhile, Dana defended her American citizenship - which she received on October 8 1999 - stating it was important for her and her family while she was living in the USA
"If it was an obstacle or if the people of the country (Ireland) wished it is no problem for me to give up American citizenship, it is no way impacted on my Irish citizenship," she said on RTÉ's 'This Week'.
The former Eurovision winner and MEP also rejected claims her campaign is shambolic, adding it is not run by a political machine but by family, friends and volunteers around the country.
"We don't have a team of researchers, or scriptwriters or advisors, I'm just speaking from my heart to the people," she said.
"I believe I can be President, I believe I have as much chance as anyone."
