Presidential Election 2025

ultimately there were will be even more political/street unrest if people are given no choices beyond FF/SF and FG

According to Gavan Reilly its over for Steen

Why, what are you afraid of?

I can only give you my opinion. Brexit was the litmus test for how to do this properly. The question was simple, leave or remain. But the leave campaign managed to make EU Membership the front for so much disaffection in society. The increasing wealth gap, the NHS not being funded enough, the issue of unemployment, and immigration. Its a fact that they also lied through their teeth, but were aided in doing so by the right wing media. Trump followed suit, and the democrats didnt take him serious until the eleventh hour, when it was far too late.

If you look at what this Neo-Right is composed of in Ireland. Anti-establishment, disaffected voters who endure real hardship, Evangelical Christians who think we are on the wrong path - it tends to be a big tent of mutiple issues, which are sometimes incoherent. But they come together to kick the common enemy. the 'establishment' - in doing so they hope to capture a part of this establishment, by coaxing the odd respectable conservative over to their side. They play on careerist politicians, who could see advantage in joining them.

Its a game, and the goal is to have Turkeys vote for Christmas. If Maria steen were to stand on stage and list the things she believes in (anti homosexual equality, anti divorce, anti surrogacy, anti stem cell and egg donation, anti immigration, a return to christian values) - she loses, big

But have her stand and deliver herself as a

• radical, anti-establishment, grass roots
• appealing to disaffected voters
• claims that housing issues relate to the country having abandoned its cherished past
• she cares about families and will help them in this difficult time
• the establishment parties fear her, which is why they sought to stop her
• attacking the radical woke left

She gains a lot of support by simply taloring her message - thats how these groups have won in the past, and thats how they win again and again

They do get to decide. There is no other nomination route.

Does that happen in France or the United States?

Emmanuel Macron wasn't even an elected politician in 2017. He formed his own party and became President.

I agree though. A weeding out process should occur similar to the primaries held in the US.

You cant compare it to countries like France or the US as the role of our President is markedly different to theirs. Ironically the current process helps weed out prospective nominees who dont know or understand this.

I suppose it reflects the speed at which everything official in this country moves - 7 years warning of an election and so many last minute merchants tying themselves in knots to get on the ballot. ‘Shure it’ll do’ will be the death of us!

This - 100% agreed.

I think its over now, the moment has passed. To anyone disapointed, please feel free to vote with your feet at the next election. I could easily see the 'Steen block' from this campaign, moving forward to form an Iona Adjacent party, and you are 100% free to vote for them. If that doesnt happen, you can of course vote for Aontu, or any candidate that you feel reflects your values.

As a democrat i would always support a persons right to do so - but Steen being excluded this time round is perfectly compatible with democracy. She did not attain required support, and therefore will not be present on the ballot. If your chosen candidates attain power, they are free to change the nomination process.

I for one am relieved she is not on the ballot - and will not get to disguise her retrograde views as being merely 'anti-establishment'

Very satisfied that the system worked to prevent that

https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41711291.html

Well thats the end of that but what an insipid selection of candidates we are left with,a right presidential borefest.

With all due respect one would suggest that she need to concentrate on personal shortcomings, poor planning, poor decisions, less than adequate communication skills before admonishing anyone?
Time to call out these people for what they appear to be and Simon and Michael shouldn’t be anyway “afraid”.