Presidential Election 2025

Tonights Debate

Just some thoughts on what i think each candidate will be aiming for, and what we need to see

Jim Gavin

Probably the unknown of this election. Needs to be seen to make a big splash. The reaction he needs is for people to question why he didnt enter politics before. Needs to command some respect, and show charisma and charm. Any hesitations to questions on his part could be fatal. He probably has the most to gain, but equally the most to lose. Gavin needs to be able to hold his own against the other two, in any back and forths that kick off.

Heather Humphreys

The question surrounding the Irish Language needs to be addressed adequately. Would not be surprised if she has a prepared statement memorized on this topic, and for the attacks on her Orange cultural connections. Given her political ability is probably the strongest on stage tonight, there is expectation that she should emerge strongly. If she trips up, it could be very damaging.

Catherine Connolly

Needs to be fully aware that this is a presidential election debate, and not a Left Wing Student rally. Needs to potentially walk back some of her fumbles. Like HH, she SHOULD have a prepared statement memorized, to try and roll back some of her excessively controversial opinions. Obvious attack lines would stem from her two opponents being FFG. She has a lot to prove here, and it will be interesting to hear her tone when discussing her vision of a Connolly presidency

If this were an actual horse race, -

The favourite is HH. She has ministerial experience, and is a veteran of Big Party politics. She should be confident going into this.

CC would technically be in the mix, given her years of being in the Dail, and at local level. A lot will depend on how she approaches her opponents, and whether she ends up baited into any more foreign policy fiascos.

JG is a dark horse here. He needs a result really, and to demonstrate that he can compete. Totally untested, if this were a race its a maiden for him. He might be a phenomenal GAA man - but this is politics, and at this race he is the clear underdog.

I’m particularly interested to see if there’s any bit of negging between gavin and humphries. May not happen tonight but they’ll have to go there eventually if opinion polls are showing it’s between the two of them…

It really grigs me to hear guys like Gavin boasting about their wearing of the Blue beret overseas. It's not as if he wasn't well paid to do it banking his salary while he's overseas.

Jim Gavin not willing to tell the working class far right people in certain areas to stop using the flag to mark territory.

I think he is worried about losing that potential Dublin vote if he came down hard on it.

Connolly actually seems to be faring better of the 3 on the issue. Calling for solidarity among politicians.

3 of them spoofing about immigration.

Too many are coming but none will admit it.

She's absolutely head and shoulders above the other two in just about every aspect. Gavin has been talking about his overseas career for the last week simply because he has no other string to his bow. Heather meanwhile appears to be just waiting for the nod to pop out and put kettle on.

His delivery is shocking yea. I more-or-less knew what he meant RE Foreign Policy - but the delivery was poor

CC is doing better than i expect - minus the repeated references to a European Military Industrial complex - also the implication that Germany are re-arming, 'to bolster their economy' - not fiasco level but not great

HH is weaker- Honestly shocked at how silent she is. Although it may be a tactic. JG is appearing weak, and she may not have expected CC to be as strong.

I have CC leading, by a nose. If JG can gather his thoughts, and stop fumbling he could do WAY better than expected.

HH needs to really up her game

Only my thoughts

Don't be too hard on yourself, I'm sure you'll rattle off a few more before the night is over.

You didn't read my first post properly, so you said I said something I didn't, I merely asked you questions. So you've clocked another one. After that I won't respond to anything personal, just on points about the election or candidates.