Presidential Election 2025

[Return of the Mac]

Well, getting back to the actual Presidential Election. If Humphreys crashes and burns, and it's looking that way. You have to think it's bye bye Harris. So far he's been a shambolic leader. But in some ways he exemplifies the moral and political bankruptcy at the heart of FG

[Grumpy Old Man]

The Irish Syria Solidarity Movement (ISSM) said it was misleading for Ms Connolly to state she had met Palestinians in Syria given, it said, she could only have met those supportive of the Assad regime.


Catherine Connolly pictured with man linked to war crimes in Syria

https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/202 ... otos-show/

A bit of editorialising by the IT. Not surprising really.

CC Meets war crimes leader Syria.jpg (158.8 KiB) Viewed 647 times

[midlander12]

I think McGuinness would have done. She'd have hit hard on the EU points. That would have hit home with voters.

This has fallen onto Connolly's lap due to McGuinness having to withdraw through illness, that then both FF and FG went immediately into panic mode to find alternatives (would FF have even fielded a candidate against her?), stopping any other nominations, and then the Galvin debacle.

I wonder about the first bit. We were very pro-EU when it was all about Brexit, but people seem remarkably complaisant about Connolly's obvious Euroscepticism (and let's not forget the Nice and Lisbon treaties were initially rejected here).

On the second, yes she has been incredibly lucky, as have SF in backing her, which appeared to be a very weak decision at the time. I don't think anyone could have guessed how badly FF and FG would handle the nomination process. They basically threw the election.

[knownunknown]

I am surprised that Connolly has not been held to account on the negative opinions she expressed about the EU and her support for Brexit

It's all there on video, her long anti-EU rant

"I am full of admiration for the English people " [for voting for Brexit]

" They have shown up the EU for what it is"

" This [voting for Brexit] is the first step in exposing the EU"

When she says she is not anti-EU or pro- Brexit, why have her own words not been quoted to her?. If she has since changed her mind, why is she not asked at what point she changed her mind and why?

She is fully entitled to support Brexit or to criticise the EU, but why does she not own this?

Probably lost support in some places and garnered some in other places. That interview was the first time I thought she had any bit of sense.

I think her Syrian trip should have sunk her, personally, we’re talking about the very worst people on this planet.

[p.ie man]

Heather has been endorsed by the Burke family. I feel sure she must be thrilled by their endorsement.

[schmittel]

Heather has been endorsed by the Burke family. I feel sure she must be thrilled by their endorsement.

Connolly should put the word out that Enoch is Heather's campaign manager.

[Carlovian]

Well, getting back to the actual Presidential Election. If Humphreys crashes and burns, and it's looking that way. You have to think it's bye bye Harris. So far he's been a shambolic leader. But in some ways he exemplifies the moral and political bankruptcy at the heart of FG

FG need a break from government.

The smear campaign against Connolly is a new low in Irish politics and won’t do them any favours in the long run.

I’m not sure who’s advising Humphries but it’s an awful campaign with support from Bertie and Sean Gallagher apparently high points.

[schmittel]

I see the barrister for the banks smear getting ramped up this weekend.

Whilst simultaneously some of the same people are clutching their pearls at the thought of a President Connolly being totally unable to put her ideology and principles aside if required and carry out the presidential role professionally.

Hmmm. Go figure.

[p.ie man]

Apparently Eoghan Harris also endorsed Heather. The good news for Heather keeps on coming.

[Socthesecond]

Despite all the slurring Connolly seems to be walking it. Syria and Ukraine seem a long way away to lots of people whilst the housing and cost of living crises engender by FFG are right here under our noses.

Fine Gael criticised over ‘Trumpian’ video targeting Catherine Connolly, as campaign enters final days

https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/202 ... humphreys/


Plus " Heather" is unlikeable imv.

[p.ie man]

As far as I know, fianna fail did not give an official endorsement to Heather, although Martin did give his personal endorsement.

Personally, I think FF need to give her an official endorsement immediately, it's probably her last slim hope of winning. Without FF endorsing her, I think a lot of their voters may just stay home.

If Connolly wins, Micheal Martin may find himself the scapegoat not just within his own party, but FG people may also be blaming him

[NewBroom]

Personally, I think FF need to give her an official endorsement immediately, it's probably her last slim hope of winning. Without FF endorsing her, I think a lot of their voters may just stay home.

Reckon we'll see just that this week. A lot of people rowing in behind HH and questioning CCs forthright views and potential damage to trade etc.

[Clanrickard]

Reckon we'll see just that this week. A lot of people rowing in behind HH and questioning CCs forthright views and potential damage to trade etc.

Too little too late. She's a crackpot and that was clear from a long way back. The government arrogantly assumed the centre ground would run a mile from her not realising the desire amongst a large cohort of the electorate to give the government a good kicking. .

[Socthesecond]

“Significantly, the Bar Council released a statement asserting it is the duty of barristers to be independent and free from any influence in the discharge of their professional duties,” said Gannon, who is the party’s justice spokesperson.

“A number of individual barristers have also publicly criticised Fine Gael’s ill-informed line of attack. Clearly, Fine Gael are in now panic mode – and too busy rolling around in the mud to think critically.”


This particular stance could come back to bite Fine Gael on the arse, a a party that has always been stuffed with barristers. You don't want to p*** off "fully qualified" barristers. If you know what I mean.

[Brabantje]

“Significantly, the Bar Council released a statement asserting it is the duty of barristers to be independent and free from any influence in the discharge of their professional duties,” said Gannon, who is the party’s justice spokesperson.

“A number of individual barristers have also publicly criticised Fine Gael’s ill-informed line of attack. Clearly, Fine Gael are in now panic mode – and too busy rolling around in the mud to think critically.”


This particular stance could come back two bite Fine Gael on the arse, a a party that has always been stuffed with barristers. You don't want to p*** off "fully qualified" barristers. If you know what I mean.

They're also not doing much to dispel the "nasty party" epithet. I generally view negative campaigning in two ways - a scream for attention and/or a paucity of argument.

[Brabantje]

Despite all the slurring Connolly seems to be walking it. Syria and Ukraine seem a long way away to lots of people whilst the housing and cost of living crises engender by FFG are right here under our noses.

Fine Gael criticised over ‘Trumpian’ video targeting Catherine Connolly, as campaign enters final days

https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/202 ... humphreys/


Plus " Heather" is unlikeable imv.

I've met HH a few times, mostly in a professional capacity and once on a constituency issue. She's friendly enough but comes across as robotic. On one occasion - the formal opening of a project i was involved in, she read a prepared statement lauding the project without once making eye contact with anyone in the room. Not one for small talk, as they say.

[Gatsbygirl]

They're also not doing much to dispel the "nasty party" epithet. I generally view negative campaigning in two ways - a scream for attention and/or a paucity of argument.

I think the barrister/ house repossession thing is silly. CC was only doing her job. Although some expert on RTE this morning saying that barristers can refuse to take cases in certain circumstances---one's uneasy conscience or personal principles would be a get-out clause, for instance

But I still think it is a silly criticism

However some of the other questions she has been asked and has not given satisfactory answers to, are not silly and are perfectly legitimate issues to raise with a future head of state

Her stated support for Brexit back in 2016 and her sharp criticism and negative attitude to the EU at that time, are troubling for many people, and are absolutely relevant , because foreign affairs and its fallout are very much part of the Presidency

As for all this talk about "smears"......

Imagining a totally different scenario where, say Mairead McGuinness was way out ahead in the polls, you can be absolutely sure that Labour, SF, Paul Murphy and anyone else supporting McGuinness's opponent would throw every bit of mud they could find at the FG candidate. They would be merciless. They would dig up every bit of dirt from her past.

There would be no talk of "smearing". It would be called "holding her to account". Murphy and Mary Lou would be on their high horses demanding answers and flooding social media with negative headlines and negative videos. Nobody better at the ould "smearing"....

[NewBroom]

Too little too late. She's a crackpot and that was clear from a long way back. The government arrogantly assumed the centre ground would run a mile from her not realising the desire amongst a large cohort of the electorate to give the government a good kicking. .

There is that alright. They also made a serious miscalculation is not facilitating more centre ground candidates to run. These would have soaked up a good bit of a protest vote and greatly diluted CCs. Too greedy and manipulating, backfired it seems. But who knows come Friday? If CC does win handsomely, both the leadership of FG and FF better be on their toes to answer hard questions.

[midlander12]

I think the barrister/ house repossession thing is silly. CC was only doing her job. Although some expert on RTE this morning saying that barristers can refuse to take cases in certain circumstances---one's uneasy conscience or personal principles would be a get-out clause, for instance

But I still think it is a silly criticism

However some of the other questions she has been asked and has not given satisfactory answers to, are not silly and are perfectly legitimate issues to raise with a future head of state

Her stated support for Brexit back in 2016 and her sharp criticism and negative attitude to the EU at that time, are troubling for many people, and are absolutely relevant , because foreign affairs and its fallout are very much part of the Presidency

As for all this talk about "smears"......

Imagining a totally different scenario where, say Mairead McGuinness was way out ahead in the polls, you can be absolutely sure that Labour, SF, Paul Murphy and anyone else supporting McGuinness's opponent would throw every bit of mud they could find at the FG candidate. They would be merciless. They would dig up every bit of dirt from her past.

There would be no talk of "smearing". It would be called "holding her to account". Murphy and Mary Lou would be on their high horses demanding answers and flooding social media with negative headlines and negative videos. Nobody better at the ould "smearing"....

I think the problem is more the way she deals with questions about it. All she has to do is say 'yes, I did represent banks in a professional capacity as a barrister in repossession cases, as I was professionally obliged to do, notwithstanding my personal views on evictions and the housing issue generally. I'm sorry if that upsets some people, but that's life'. Instead she gives some generic non-answer and rapidly pivots to 'smears' and 'new lows'.

FG would be a lot better advised, however, to make absolute hay out of that Vincent Browne Brexit interview and her other anti-EU utternaces over the years. It won't make much difference to the result, but at least they can say 'don't say ye weren't warned' if it becomes a serious problem during her presidency.

[Gatsbygirl]

I think the problem is more the way she deals with questions about it. All she has to do is say 'yes, I did represent banks in a professional capacity as a barrister in repossession cases, as I was professionally obliged to do, notwithstanding my personal views on evictions and the housing issue generally. I'm sorry if that upsets some people, but that's life'. Instead she gives some generic non-answer and rapidly pivots to 'smears' and 'new lows'.

FG would be a lot better advised, however, to make absolute hay out of that Vincent Browne Brexit interview and her other anti-EU utternaces over the years. It won't make much difference to the result, but at least they can say 'don't say ye weren't warned' if it becomes a serious problem during her presidency.

Yes, Connolly has outsmarted a shambolic FG in the sympathy stakes

That low, pious voice saying "This is a new low" neatly sidesteps any need to reply to questions or to even engage with the question

FG are lumbering, awkward, shambling, where Connolly has been sure-footed, nimble, adept and clever

FG's scattergun attacks, roaming from one criticism to another, have been a disaster, and have allowed the Connolly camp to paint even legitimate questions as "smears" and "FG in panic mode"

Because the legitimate criticisms are hidden inside a barrage of more trivial criticisms, allowing Connolly to choose which criticisms to home in on.

Heather has not got the personality to effectively raise these important issues during live debates. Her entire brand is "nice middle class Mammy". When she tries to move outside that, she comes across as ineffective and unpleasant


FG should have done their research, and homed in on the one or two serious issues that CC has tried to side-step, and stuck with them until they got a proper answer---ignoring all the other less important stuff

Then they should have coached Heather in presenting a positive up-beat set of reasons why she would make a good President.

But neither FG nor Heather have the wherewithal to do that. If there is any way for them to fukk it up and trip over themselves, FG will find it

[midlander12]

Yes, Connolly has outsmarted a shambolic FG in the sympathy stakes

That low, pious voice saying "This is a new low" neatly sidesteps any need to reply to questions or to even engage with the question

FG are lumbering, awkward, shambling, where Connolly has been sure-footed, nimble, adept and clever

FG's scattergun attacks, roaming from one criticism to another, have been a disaster, and have allowed the Connolly camp to paint even legitimate questions as "smears" and "FG in panic mode"

Because the legitimate criticisms are hidden inside a barrage of more trivial criticisms, allowing Connolly to choose which criticisms to home in on.

Heather has not got the personality to effectively raise these important issues during live debates. Her entire brand is "nice middle class Mammy". When she tries to move outside that, she comes across as ineffective and unpleasant


FG should have done their research, and homed in on the one or two serious issues that CC has tried to side-step, and stuck with them until they got a proper answer---ignoring all the other less important stuff

Then they should have coached Heather in presenting a positive up-beat set of reasons why she would make a good President.

But neither FG nor Heather have the wherewithal to do that. If there is any way for them to fukk it up and trip over themselves, FG will find it

FG are hopeless at campaigns anyway because they seem to forget the average Irish voter isn't like your average FGer. Plus they've been in govt so long that everyone automatically hates them, like the Tories under Major in the mid-90s and more recently under Sunak. FF were always much better at appealing outside the box, though maybe not so much lately. Connolly doesn't really need to be very smart to 'outsmart' the current iteration of FG. An FF campaign with Billy Kelleher might have put her under a bit more pressure. He certainly wouldn't have been shy about querying her record on EU issues and he would have the knowledge to reinforce his arguments. Heather seems clueless and frankly barely above county councillor level.

[knownunknown]

I was offered a job doing detective type work for the banks in this type of thing but because it went against what I held to be right I turned it down.

“I was just following orders” is not good enough for someone who says they are an activist who speaks up for what is right, someone who promises to “speak truth to power”. I think there is a correlation between people that do jobs that damage their sense of what is morally correct and how much that person virtue signals their greatness to the world.

Once CC gets into office the scrutiny will begin not only nationally but on the international stage. She could speak truth to power; refuse to welcome Trump, call out Israel’s “genocide”, criticize our strongest allies the EU, US and NATO but I don’t think she will. She didn’t in the past. She already showed us her character.

[Socthesecond]

The Auld Orange Flute...

[Brabantje]

Wasn't quite sure where to put this, here or in the MM thread. Certainly looks like the starters pistol for the heave.



On the other hand, FG tried this exact trick with JOC previously, with the same result - a statement from the Bar Council outlining how Barristers work.

https://www.independent.ie/news/fianna- ... 36112.html

The Bar Council of Ireland has released a statement reiterating its code of conduct after Fine Gael alleged a Fianna Fail candidate’s legal work was a conflict of interest.
Media reports on Friday detailed how Fianna Fail candidate Jim O’Callaghan once acted as a barrister for Sinn Fein’s Gerry Adams in a court action against a national newspaper in a defamation case.

Fine Gael allege that in taking the case, which began in 2015, before Mr O’Callaghan was elected to the Dail, Mr O’Callaghan had reflected his willingness to work with Sinn Fein in government.

[Irish History]

Wasn't quite sure where to put this, here or in the MM thread. Certainly looks like the starters pistol for the heave.



On the other hand, FG tried this exact trick with JOC previously, with the same result - a statement from the Bar Council outlining how Barristers work.

https://www.independent.ie/news/fianna- ... 36112.html

Fair play to O’Callaghan - it's not the first time he stood up against his own party and party leader to do the right thing.

In 2021, he wrote a paper/plan on the reunification of Ireland - 4 long years after Micheál Martin said he would write a paper/plan on the reunification of Ireland in 2017.

Of course Micheál Martin has yet to produce that paper/plan on the reunification of Ireland. Micheál Martin also said in 2017 that he believed he would see a reunified Ireland in his lifetime - even though he is actively working against the actual reunification of Ireland.

O’Callaghan is positioning himself to be the next leader of Fianna Fail it seems.