How they solved a problem like Maria..

Straight talking...

- LARISSA NOLAN

WHO do I vote for now Maria Steen has been blocked from running for president?

The mean-spirited move to lock the Marvellous Mrs Steen out of the race means for a chunk of the electorate, there is no appealing candidate.

If I was a politician, I'd give the nod to anyone with 18 out of the 20 votes needed.

If you're up to that number, you're obviously a serious player and deserve the chance to go on the ballot and let the public decide. Especially for a symbolic role as president, which comes without political power.

The election would have got a much-needed fun injection. But, no.

By refusing to facilitate her with two more votes, they've left many voters particularly women - without someone who speaks for them, to vote into the Aras.

The party-backed nominees are so interchangeable, I might as well put the three names in a cup, give it a shake and pull one out.

It makes no difference to me whether it's Jim Gavin who? - or rural Prod Heather Humphreys, or Catherine Connolly: a mix of Mary Robinson and Michael D.