Standing tall in a cavernous, emerald green tube. That’s where you’ll typically see Irish slab-hunting hellman Fergal Smith. But soon you might see his bearded mug proudly standing on a different board in a different whirlwind of opposing forces. The board of policy makers.
Ever the eco-conscious citizen, Fergal has taken it upon himself to run for the Green Party in his homeland of western Ireland’s County Clare.
“I am running for the Green Party, for my daughter and all Irish children,” Fergal writes in a statement. “We all appreciate the major problems our children are going to have to deal with, but perhaps less apparent is that the solutions for them already exist. The next generation needs leaders who are not afraid to lead them into these changing times. My priority is the environment; without healthy soil nothing exists: trees, vegetables, grass, grazing animals and their produce.”
Growing up on a farm, Fergal was brought up to live simply. And that meant leaving behind a minimal footprint. Now that he’s a father, he hopes to bring his daughter up in a world where that simplicity and care for the environment are not just priorities, but possibilities. That’s the basis for his political campaign – ensuring the sanctity of Ireland’s (and the world’s) natural resources so that future generations can enjoy a happy and healthy life.
This isn’t the first time a surfer has traversed arenas from surf trunks to soapbox. Back in 2014, Dustin Barca ran for mayor of Kauai. And perhaps unsurprisingly, like Fergal, Barca had a green-focussed agenda. Surfers, after all, are constantly outdoors, appreciating the natural world in its most pristine state. Unfortunately for Barca, his political hopes never came to fruition. But maybe Fergal’s campaign will be different.
He possesses some of the key factors that make a successful leader. The gall. Ambition. Fearless grit. Can you think of another politician that has the balls to huck him/herself over a ledge like this?
Sure, Obama bodysurfs. But Fergal Smith does this.
Didn’t think so.
To support Fergal Smith’s bid for office follow him on Facebook or check out the Green Party’s homepage. And vote 4 Fergie!
