Presidential hopeful Michael Flatley plays flute in front of crowds at Fleadh

Sarah Slater

Presidential hopeful and international dancing star Michael Flatley gave a surprise flute performance on Saturday at the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Wexford.

The Irish-American Riverdance star is to seek a nomination to become Ireland's next president, a court was told last month during a High Court case he has taken in relation to works carried out at his mansion in Co Cork.

Mr Flatley, who is eligible to run as an Irish citizen, also strongly hinted at a presidential bid on RTÉ radio’s Brendan O’Connor show. However, said he had not made a final decision.

He said during the radio interview in July that he did not believe the Irish people "have a voice – not a true proper deep voice that speaks their language".

The choreographer said he hears concerns from the "average person on the street" and they are not "happy right now".

An election for the largely ceremonial role is expected to be held by the end of October. The election must take place in the 60 days before outgoing President Michael D Higgins' term comes to an end on November 11th.

A candidate must be an Irish citizen who aged 35 or older and must be nominated either by at least 20 members of the Oireachtas or at least four local authorities to be eligible to run.

The dancer, musician and artist remained coy on his potential bid only commenting on his social media platforms. “Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, Wexford. Thanks for a fantastic day! Lots of Irish music, dance and culture.”

The Lord of the Dance dancer performed on the main stage in the town and on the streets of Wexford.

Flatley competed in the Fleadh Cheoil on several occasions as a concert flute player and appeared at the same event in Ennis, Co Clare, in 2017.

Festival organisers said the eight-day event would be bigger than last year which was also hosted by the county with up to 700,000 people expected to visit the town.

Between 40,000 and 50,000 competitors took part in 180 competitions.