Presidential Election 2025

Probably a case of crunching ever changing numbers and getting more clarity on what is happening in FF particularly. Interviewer seemed more interested in scoring the usual points tbh - asking her to account for her leadership back to the local elections. Been there, done that 100 times Mary Wilson. 🙄

Did a quick search there - would it be fair to say both of you have never heard MLMD do well on radio? 😁

I'll see if RTE podcast the interview later on and get back to you

*cough* My logic seems sound 😉 SF have to back someone, and looking more likely now to be CC. They cannot be seen to be irrelevant.

You know if it comes down to a battle between her and Gavin there might be a few floating voters not put off to find HH is not your stereotypical straitlaced uptight Protestant…

I think MLMD personal life has worn her out. She looks like she is still in her current position out of duty to the party, rather than herself.

But MLMD has never been a good public orator. Not many in the Dàil are these days, in fairness. But she always runs through “checklists” or the same lines v the government.
There has never been a Mary Lou moment that made me think “superb debating skills.” “What an excellent question!” It all seemed painting by numbers. Following the party strategists.

However, as a figurehead for SF ROI MLMD has done a great job. The bridge between the NI beards of old, and the fact of new SF ROI a female with a South Dublin accent (born and reared) styling herself as “anti-establishment” and fully behind the strategy from her bosses in SF NI HQ.

I think as part of the “strategy” SF are wise to sit this Presidential race out. Until SF have a ready made candidate in future. SF can be lukewarm on the Connolly support, while simultaneously claiming a FF:FG victory is a return to the “same old politics”. Meanwhile they strengthen their position in DE, and freshen up their decades long stranglehold on Stormont.

In summary, it will just end up with the current SF strategy, High on symbolism which plays well in NI, but low on action they don’t care about action up there.

But SF have to be prepared for the more discerning voter in the ROI, they have to get prepared for fear they get real power in DE. Also SF have to placate their voters who view them as “traitors” on immigration. Or else find nice new middle class voters.

They can’t just “wing it” like in NI. Symbolism alone will not work with the ROI electorate.

Thoughts and prayers Francie, tough to see yet another political dream crumble before your very eyes.

All to the good for her.

A person who would destroy, diminish and ridicule a pathetic Paddy Cosgrave driven witchhunt, and tell The Ditch to f**k off, will attract thousands of votes.

I cannot see how SF 'not' running a candidate would be a good move for them in any shape or form. Backing Connolly would be meaningless considering the likes of Labour, SDs and PBP have already backed her. It would be the main opposition party saying 'We are going to sit this one out' and have zero involvement in the election, which would seem bonkers given that the two government parties FF and FG are running a candidate.

I would counter your argument. The President has very little influence over whether or not a united Ireland happens. SF know that would be done through government, negotiations and building support across the entire island. It wouldn't be done through the Aras. Their focus is to get into government, which is the correct decision to achieve a united Ireland.