Presidential Election 2025

[knownunknown]

Her 'I'd have to think about it' response to employing a convicted rapist was, if anything, even more shocking, She could have just dismissed the question as an insult to her intelligence (as she usually does!) but nope, in this occasion the hole had to be dug deeper.

I notice over on boards, which is a lot busier than here, her supporters have taken on all the trappings of a cult, branding all criticisms of her as 'smears'. One of them put up a photo of Humphreys' car parked under a 'no parking' sign with an oh-so-witty remark about 'planters always showing up where they're not wanted'. Apparently a breach of the parking laws is a more relevant gaffe than the above.

CC has had an incredibly easy ride from the media up to now. There is no way an FF/FG candidate, let alone an SF one, would have got away with her unforced errors. Claire Byrne was practically holding her hand on her show last week while she segued effortlessly from an awkward question about the Dail hiring into a description of growing up as one of 14 children.

The three main parties' failure to take this election seriously and treat it with the respect it deserved has backfired badly, certainly on FF and FG and possibly on SF as well, because I suspect CC in office may actually damage rather than assist the opposition left alliance if it ever gets off the ground.

Just on that last point I know a former politician who has been labour all his life who will be voting Humphries and not Connolly.

[Gatsbygirl]

Her 'I'd have to think about it' response to employing a convicted rapist was, if anything, even more shocking, She could have just dismissed the question as an insult to her intelligence (as she usually does!) but nope, in this occasion the hole had to be dug deeper.

I notice over on boards, which is a lot busier than here, her supporters have taken on all the trappings of a cult, branding all criticisms of her as 'smears'. One of them put up a photo of Humphreys' car parked under a 'no parking' sign with an oh-so-witty remark about 'planters always showing up where they're not wanted'. Apparently a breach of the parking laws is a more relevant gaffe than the above.

CC has had an incredibly easy ride from the media up to now. There is no way an FF/FG candidate, let alone an SF one, would have got away with her unforced errors. Claire Byrne was practically holding her hand on her show last week while she segued effortlessly from an awkward question about the Dail hiring into a description of growing up as one of 14 children.

The three main parties' failure to take this election seriously and treat it with the respect it deserved has backfired badly, certainly on FF and FG and possibly on SF as well, because I suspect CC in office may actually damage rather than assist the opposition left alliance if it ever gets off the ground.

This "anyone who asks questions or criticises me is SMEARING me" really gets my goat, whichever side it comes from.

I think Connolly is home and hosed. She has reached that tipping point where she is practically fireproof, and her supporters will never question their choice and will dismiss any new information as "smearing". She is an excellent media performer and that will win over undecided voters also---For them, she is a welcome relief from inarticulate Gavin and hesitant Heather

If she can talk her way out of the Eirigi gun woman incident----and it seems she can---she is safe.

[Brabantje]

Her 'I'd have to think about it' response to employing a convicted rapist was, if anything, even more shocking, She could have just dismissed the question as an insult to her intelligence (as she usually does!) but nope, in this occasion the hole had to be dug deeper.

I notice over on boards, which is a lot busier than here, her supporters have taken on all the trappings of a cult, branding all criticisms of her as 'smears'. One of them put up a photo of Humphreys' car parked under a 'no parking' sign with an oh-so-witty remark about 'planters always showing up where they're not wanted'. Apparently a breach of the parking laws is a more relevant gaffe than the above.

CC has had an incredibly easy ride from the media up to now. There is no way an FF/FG candidate, let alone an SF one, would have got away with her unforced errors. Claire Byrne was practically holding her hand on her show last week while she segued effortlessly from an awkward question about the Dail hiring into a description of growing up as one of 14 children.

The three main parties' failure to take this election seriously and treat it with the respect it deserved has backfired badly, certainly on FF and FG and possibly on SF as well, because I suspect CC in office may actually damage rather than assist the opposition left alliance if it ever gets off the ground.

Regarding the left, i suspect that CC in office will be neither here nor there. I get the sense that SF took that decision with an eye on the next election as an attempt to demonstrate that they can work as equal partners within a putative broad left alliance. The fact that it has annoyed the likes of Alan Kelly will be seen as a bonus within.

[Statsman]

Regarding the left, i suspect that CC in office will be neither here nor there. I get the sense that SF took that decision with an eye on the next election as an attempt to demonstrate that they can work as equal partners within a putative broad left alliance. The fact that it has annoyed the likes of Alan Kelly will be seen as a bonus within.

She has it in her to be a dumpster fire; I've already stated that I think it very possible she won't last the full seven years; thundering disgrace, anyone?

The Soc Dems could and should have done better.

[midlander12]

Regarding the left, i suspect that CC in office will be neither here nor there. I get the sense that SF took that decision with an eye on the next election as an attempt to demonstrate that they can work as equal partners within a putative broad left alliance. The fact that it has annoyed the likes of Alan Kelly will be seen as a bonus within.

There's a little more at stake than Alan Kelly's mood, fascinating and all as it is to observe.

If CC becomes a divisive and controversial figure, it's possible it may reflect badly on the parties who nominated her, which isn't principally SF anyway. Of course she may well fade into obscurity and get used to cutting ribbons in which case all this will be long forgotten in 2029.

[midlander12]

This "anyone who asks questions or criticises me is SMEARING me" really gets my goat, whichever side it comes from.

I think Connolly is home and hosed. She has reached that tipping point where she is practically fireproof, and her supporters will never question their choice and will dismiss any new information as "smearing". She is an excellent media performer and that will win over undecided voters also---For them, she is a welcome relief from inarticulate Gavin and hesitant Heather

If she can talk her way out of the Eirigi gun woman incident----and it seems she can---she is safe.

She's the most evasive politician I've ever seen or heard, which is saying something. But very good at it, I agree.

[midlander12]

Just on that last point I know a former politician who has been labour all his life who will be voting Humphries and not Connolly.

The fact that even Michael D apparently can't stand her (and I know there were constituency issues between them) says it all for me.

[Statsman]

There's a little more at stake than Alan Kelly's mood, fascinating and all as it is to observe.

If CC becomes a divisive and controversial figure, it's possible it may reflect badly on the parties who nominated her, which isn't principally SF anyway. Of course she may well fade into obscurity and get used to cutting ribbons in which case all this will be long forgotten in 2029.

This is the thing, the election of a President is not a game, it's a serious business, we need to elect someone who can do that very specific job. Neither CC not HH is that person.

[Brabantje]

This is the thing, the election of a President is not a game, it's a serious business, we need to elect someone who can do that very specific job. Neither CC not HH is that person.

Tbqh, i think both are more than capable. The constraints of office are such that there's little scope for getting out of one's box.

[midlander12]

This is the thing, the election of a President is not a game, it's a serious business, we need to elect someone who can do that very specific job. Neither CC not HH is that person.

Yes, both dismally unsuitable. To be fair, all our Presidents to date have actually been pretty good choices, except maybe O Dalaigh who appears to have been a bit of a dilletante but at least he was a former Chief Justice. CC and HH are utter lightweights by comparison.

[Statsman]

Anyone listening to Drivetime?

[Gatsbygirl]

Regarding the left, i suspect that CC in office will be neither here nor there. I get the sense that SF took that decision with an eye on the next election as an attempt to demonstrate that they can work as equal partners within a putative broad left alliance. The fact that it has annoyed the likes of Alan Kelly will be seen as a bonus within.

Yes, SF can't lose here, and their candidate looks like winning anyway

The broad left alliance is a good idea, and is what politics needs. The Left have to show they have moved beyond the old 1970s "fighting like cats in a sack" cliché and present a real united challenge to the status quo. And that looks like it is happening.

[Gatsbygirl]

Anyone listening to Drivetime?

I was driving long distance, listening to Joni Mitchell, and now I have to go out to dinner

I hope there will be posts on this topic here when I return..

[Statsman]

I was driving long distance, listening to Joni Mitchell, and now I have to go out to dinner

I hope there will be posts on this topic here when I return..

I was grandparenting so heard none of it.

[midlander12]

I was grandparenting so heard none of it.

I heard Neville Chamberlain made a cameo appearance. Presumably Catherine will 'have to reflect' on whether to appoint him to her Council of State.

[schmittel]

More of the same, just with less Jim Gavin.

I think the whole "Catherine Connolly would employ a convicted rapist in the Aras" tactic will backfire, most voters are smarter than that.

[Milipod]

We do enjoy a good bun fight.

[Bubblypop]

More of the same, just with less Jim Gavin.

I think the whole "Catherine Connolly would employ a convicted rapist in the Aras" tactic will backfire, most voters are smarter than that.

I'm not sure what you mean by that? Either she believes in rehabilitation and allowing people to live their lives after serving their sentence or she doesn't.
Why would armed criminals who are members of anti peace process organisations be allowed to move on, but rapists are not?

[schmittel]

I'm not sure what you mean by that? Either she believes in rehabilitation and allowing people to live their lives after serving their sentence or she doesn't.
Why would armed criminals who are members of anti peace process organisations be allowed to move on, but rapists are not?

What I mean is that the majority of undecided voters are smarter than to fall for the line of thinking that Heather Humphries doesn't believe in rehabilitation and allowing people to live their lives and move on after serving their sentence.

It seems highly unlikely no matter how much the media might like to make it a headline.

[Bubblypop]

What I mean is that the majority of undecided voters are smarter than to fall for the line of thinking that Heather Humphries doesn't believe in rehabilitation and allowing people to live their lives and move on after serving their sentence.

It seems highly unlikely no matter how much the media might like to make it a headline.

I'm still not sure what you mean, I'm missing something! Sorry.
Are we to believe that CC believes some people can be rehabilitated, but rapists cannot. Or do we believe that HH doesn't believe either?

[schmittel]

I'm still not sure what you mean, I'm missing something! Sorry.
Are we to believe that CC believes some people can be rehabilitated, but rapists cannot. Or do we believe that HH doesn't believe either?

It's foolish, and disingenuous IMO, to paint it as such a black and white issue.

As far as I am aware CC has never said she believes every criminal is automatically rehabilitated once they complete their sentence. Indeed she said the Éirígí woman was a rare success story.

So I was using the HH example to point out the folly of the statement regarding CC that "Either she believes in rehabilitation and allowing people to live their lives after serving their sentence or she doesn't".

The logical implied progression of that line of thinking is that HH doesn't believe in rehabilitation and allowing people to move on after serving their sentence under any circumstances. And that's equally absurd.

[Bubblypop]

It's foolish, and disingenuous IMO, to paint it as such a black and white issue.

As far as I am aware CC has never said she believes every criminal is automatically rehabilitated once they complete their sentence. Indeed she said the Éirígí woman was a rare success story.

So I was using the HH example to point out the folly of the statement regarding CC that "Either she believes in rehabilitation and allowing people to live their lives after serving their sentence or she doesn't".

The logical implied progression of that line of thinking is that HH doesn't believe in rehabilitation and allowing people to move on after serving their sentence under any circumstances. And that's equally absurd.

Ah I see what you mean
She has shown that she doesn't actually believe in rehabilitation of prisoners
But tbf, CC was signing a women into the Dail daily for months, that she knew wouldn't have given permission to be employed there, if she was actually vetted by Gardai. As is the correct way to do things.
That's not acceptable.

[schmittel]

Ah I see what you mean
She has shown that she doesn't actually believe in rehabilitation of prisoners
But tbf, CC was signing a women into the Dail daily for months, that she knew wouldn't have given permission to be employed there, if she was actually vetted by Gardai. As is the correct way to do things.
That's not acceptable.

How has she shown that she doesn't actually believe in rehab of prisoners?!
Again it is not totally black and white, that either 100% of prisoners are rehabilitated or zero %

I understand why people are angry by the Eirigi woman, but to conclude that is evidence she would treat every convicted criminal including all rapists in the same manner is ridiculous.

Seems to me that are lot of people are angry that the mud didn't stick with the Dail job and are escalating hypothetical situations of CC employing rapists to generate the anger they think should be sticking for the Eirigi woman.

I think the average undecided voter will see through that, that's the only point I was getting at.

[Bubblypop]

How has she shown that she doesn't actually believe in rehab of prisoners?!
Again it is not totally black and white, that either 100% of prisoners are rehabilitated or zero %

I understand why people are angry by the Eirigi woman, but to conclude that is evidence she would treat every convicted criminal including all rapists in the same manner is ridiculous.

Seems to me that are lot of people are angry that the mud didn't stick with the Dail job and are escalating hypothetical situations of CC employing rapists to generate the anger they think should be sticking for the Eirigi woman.

I think the average undecided voter will see through that, that's the only point I was getting at.

I don't know, but I imagine most people understand that employing someone without actually vetting her, because CC knew she wouldn't get it, and signing her in everyday to the Dail was an abuse of powers.
And then her opinion that Hamas is in the DNA of Palestinian people, suggests old school Republican is in her DNA (and ours as a result)
But suggesting she believes in rehabilitation of prisoners once they have served their sentence, doesn't extend to prisoners convicted of rape?
It's all very hypocritical IMO

[schmittel]

I don't know, but I imagine most people understand that employing someone without actually vetting her, because CC knew she wouldn't get it, and signing her in everyday to the Dail was an abuse of powers.
And then her opinion that Hamas is in the DNA of Palestinian people, suggests old school Republican is in her DNA (and ours as a result)
But suggesting she believes in rehabilitation of prisoners once they have served their sentence, doesn't extend to prisoners convicted of rape?
It's all very hypocritical IMO

Definitely not a good look I agree but it wasn't deemed a sufficient abuse of power to disqualify her as a TD, so not sure why it should be disqualify her as President.

It does seem odd that people are prepared to accept that this woman poses no security risk entering Leinster House on a day pass though.