Presidential Election.

For those giving out about “attacks” on how Catherine Connolly presents herself -and are getting all “hurt” and offended about it no less self righteous - this from her own campaign website-

“The Presidency, we are told, is largely symbolic. But symbols matter. And actions taken under those symbols matter even more”

Given Catherine Connolly is a clinical psychologist, she more than most, is extremely aware how one presents to the public impacts their view of that person .
Her “image” is a deliberate attempt to appeal to the voters she most wants, to help her win - anyone who thinks criticising her image is somehow a personal attack on her, is laughable and worryingly naive - left is where she is clearly placing herself - in my view, she’s gone too casual from a branding perspective - fine for a TD election - I just don’t think it’s a successful strategy for a presidential election .

Clearly Catherine Connolly doesn’t need you or anyone else to fight her corner on her behalf- she’s quite capable of speaking for herself - and if you phoned her up and told her how you’re “defending” her on a social media website, she’d likely laugh at the absurdity of it.

She has clearly stated that symbols are very important - her public image is a symbol- she’s signed off on this public image - I don’t think it will be a successful strategy - you do- hey ho. But if you think this is something “personal” against her , then really you deserve the ridicule that you’ll receive - even Mary Robinson had the cop on to amend her image after the start of her campaign and really sharpened up- it worked.

Maybe I'm wrong but as of now there are 3 potential Presidents in waiting. Ms Humphrey, Ms Connolly, Mr Gavin. I must say, none of them really do it for me. I really thought when I heard Gavin was in the running that he might well run away with it, but he has been very wooden, uninspiring and for whatever reason he comes across as someone who did well as the Dubs manager in gaelic football and got face recognition from that so therefore ran for President on the strength of that. Heather had no intention of running, none whatsoever. Suddenly an opportunity appeared out of nowhere and there she was. Wow, she had her mojo back, all she said about family time, etc, was gone out the window and here Iam, vote for me plus I've the backing of a major political party, as has Gavin. Then we have Catherine, a controversial figure in some ways, but she feels we as a nation needs her as a President. Others who might well make a good President may well be stopped from running by the political structures we have in place. Yet, the post on offer is not a political one. Every Tom, Dick, and Harry, whose face is known from sport, media, politics, entertainment, or court cases, want to front our country. No more than Trump in the USA is this the best we can offer the Irish people? Seems the radio, TV and print media have all the power to say What They Want, in helping us to decide who our choice will be. No more than the abortion and same sex marriage debates, they're very, very, selective on choosing who can and cannot offer opinions and woe betide anyone who disagrees with them. Sean Gallagher had one foot in the Aras door until Pat Kenny decided a very selective lie might scupper him. It did. I'm sure if one of the candidates (they don't believe deserves the Presidency) raises their head too high above where they think it should be, another selective skeleton will be plucked from a cupboard to scupper their chances. Is it any wonder people are electing far right candidates and the like across the world? The establishment are at big fault, this certainly includes the media. As for who will be President? What will the turnout be? Take your pick, it's not a very good selection box, smaller bars, lighter in weight and lots of plastic.

Catherine Connolly is presenting herself as a “brand” in order to get elected -just as all other candidates have a “brand”- even Sinn Fein have a “brand” , as well you know.

I have a right as a voter, to criticise that brand if I so choose- Catherine Connolly doesn’t give a sh01te what I think as I’m obviously not her target voter - the point I have made more than once, and that seems to make you all self righteous and to go off on some tangent as the defender of the right of women to wear what they want- is that her brand - which includes what she says as well as how she presents- will limit her ability to attract voters who are not so far left, and have more traditional and conservative views on the archetype of the Irish president - but hey, shout “getting personal” and “attacking women” if it makes you feel good - frankly it’s all I expect from you - false claims and shouting is all you can do

I actually think SF not running a candidate might not be the boost for CC that some think. I'd say a lot of the SF vote won't bother turning out if there's no party candidate on the ballot.

In order for your criticism to be acted on you have to say it to CC or get CC to act on HER appearance.

It couldn't be more personal therefore.

Oh give it a rest- you’re just embarrassing yourself now

what do you think is a reasonable best case fpv for her? And do you think she can realistically hope for enough transfers from there to get her over the line?

but she did get almost 39% 1st Pref and also remember this was Labour heyday when they were considered centre left. In addition, she had support from many in FG who actual canvassed for her.

She also had huge support from younger voters - Connolly doesn't have that is any way whatsoever.

If anything, it was surprise that she was 2nd on 1st pref, but FF were riding high back then too.