Michael Flatley, the Irish-American dance legend famously known for insuring his legs for £25 million, is once again making headlines—but this time, it’s not for his spectacular footwork.
At 67, Flatley is reportedly exploring an unexpected new challenge: a run for the Irish Presidency this October.
From Riverdance to Lord of the Dance
Flatley’s rise to fame began in spectacular fashion with Riverdance, a seven-minute interval performance during the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest watched by over 300 million viewers. The audience at Dublin’s Point Theatre gave a standing ovation, captivated by the innovative choreography. He quickly turned the show into a full-length phenomenon and later created Lord of the Dance, touring the world and performing for millions.
Triumphs and Toll on the Body
Years of high-intensity performances took a heavy physical toll on Flatley.
By the time he retired in 2015 after Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games, chronic pain in his spine, knees, and feet had forced him off the stage.
Reflecting on his career, he admitted, “I am always in pain. Agony. I have wrecked my body with dance.”
Despite this, he left behind a legacy as one of the most successful and lucrative dance performers of all time.
Reinventing Himself Beyond Dance
Retirement didn’t slow Flatley down. He briefly ventured into filmmaking with Blackbird, a self-financed thriller set in the Caribbean, though critics were unforgiving.
He also channeled his creativity into art, developing a unique method of painting by dancing on canvases—a process that made him one of Ireland’s most expensive living artists.
Entrepreneurship and Personal Triumphs
Flatley further expanded into business, launching his Castlehyde whiskey brand in 2021.
The Dreamer, his signature whiskey, was inspired by his late father and celebrates Irish culture and heritage.
These ventures coincided with his battle with malignant melanoma, a diagnosis he revealed in January 2023.
Flatley credits his wife, Niamh, and son, Michael Jr., for helping him navigate the difficult period, maintaining a positive outlook throughout treatment and recovery.
A Political Ambition Emerges
Now, Flatley’s attention turns to a very different arena: Irish politics.
He revealed his potential candidacy during a High Court planning case over his Castlehyde estate in County Cork.
While he hasn’t made a final decision, Flatley is consulting with advisers and considering how he might serve as a voice for the Irish people, stating, “Right now, I don’t think they have a voice—not a true proper deep voice that speaks their language.”
Flatley Weighs the Responsibilities
Balancing family, business, and public service is at the forefront of Flatley’s mind.
“I have a huge business to run, an army of dancers counting on me, a beautiful young wife and son that I want to spend time with,” he told RTE Radio One.
He emphasized that any political bid would be grounded in genuinely representing the concerns of everyday Irish citizens rather than pursuing a career in politics for its own sake.
The Road to the Irish Presidency
To run, candidates must be at least 35, be an Irish citizen, and secure nominations from at least 20 members of parliament or four local authorities.
The next election must take place 60 days before the current President Michael D. Higgins’s term ends on November 11.
Whether Flatley will throw his hat fully into the ring remains to be seen, but his unique combination of celebrity, business acumen, and commitment to Irish culture certainly sets the stage for a fascinating election season.