Presidential Election 2025

In SF they say also say “comradai”.
Depending who says “comrade” it can sound socialist, trade union like, endearing or even sinister. Let’s be honest.
Context is everything. I remember years ago Gerry Adams at the SF AD around 2011 peppered his speech with comrade this comrade that.

I remember because I was watching it with a foreigner. She was laughing about it and suggested it would make a great drinking game.

The clipped tones of that Belfast accent didn’t make it sound like Gerry was going to read a bedtime story. With Bacik it sounds humorous/jarring with those rounded south Dublin vowels.

When Republicans say “comrade” at a funeral oration it definitely takes on a different tone. The phrase “Good Republican” sounds slightly less sinister in that context than comrade. But we know what “Good Republican” means.

As you can see I think about this type of thing.

If Connolly says Comrade in that quiet meek Galway accent. It would sound endearing. Compare the way “the left” all jumped on the word “hypocrisy” yesterday re O’Shionnain. To my ears Connolly said it like she was going to cry. Almost in the voice of a compassionate nun. Whereas Pearse Doherty with the same word “hypocrisy” spat it out raised his voice. It had that edge.

But whereas Connolly sounded earnest and truly believed it. Doherty sounded like he was aggressive and full of angst. I am not sure if he thought it was hypocrisy though. Really. Because if the shoe were on the other foot we know what Republicans do to spy’s in the camp. Dennis Donaldson 2006 - is an example of what happens.

In contrast to Donaldson who is a Republican footnote 6 feet under. Shot in a cottage in Donegal. Ni Shionnain is still alive and well in Meath having a great time promoting the Irish language.

Different approaches to security threats for sure.

Proof of membership when she was working in the Dáil is what I meant.

Heather's next grilling on her time in government beginning.

Didn't you say a sex offender is rehabilitated and poses no risk?

Which is it now… because you are talking from both sides of your mouth.

And yet voted to pass the amendment to the road traffic act in question as mentioned at the end of the article.

Amazing how democracy works isn't it, elected representative challenges proposed legislation initially. Debates ensue and said representative changes their mind and votes in favour of the legislation.

Nice try at deflecting from the Eirigí debacle BTW….

Eirigi are said not to recognise the Dail as the legitimate Irish government, working there would be antithetical to their political beliefs.

So rather than go through garda vetting that takes 2-3 weeks, connolly organised daily day passes for 6 months!!!!????

That is simply not believable.

Your shifting the goalposts there Francie.

First you say the use of "comrade" in reference to Nì Shionnáin means nothing because the left's use of the term doesn't imply membership.

When it's pointed out that the term does imply shared beliefs (which in Eirigi's case would be toxic) you say we going to have to hear Ní Shionnáin admit membership or beliefs herself

Given the implications for herself and for CC's campaign I think we can safely say that Ní Shionnáin would be unlikely to admit to having shared Eirigi's beliefs or being a member in 2018 (as you well know)

Again, I didn't say it 'means nothing', I said it is a general term used by the left.

I am inclined to believe those who knew the woman at the time and those who worked with her in prison as a part of their job promoting reconciliation and rehabilitation rather than somebody who wasn't close to the situation.

@FrancieBrady knows it too. I don’t think he truly believes his own posts on this. If SF ran a candidate in this race, his posts about Connolly would read a lot differently.

The beauty for HH in particular she can just sit back now. As Connolly keeps having to fight fire after fire.

It did occur to me that if/when HH becomes President she could go to Raithcairn to brush up on that Gaeilge. Ni Shionnain might help set that up, She would have pull there.🙄

The thing I find gas is that SF backed Connolly for the ROI electorate tastes -no links to militant Republicanism, no links to the troubles etc. Southern and female. Irish speaker. Well educated. Yet here we are. Hilarious stuff really. It would have been less hassle to put Gerry Adams forward!

I don’t think it will affect the youth vote though. But the older middle of the road voter. Connolly’s calamities - must be worth 5% of votes in a tight race?

Ever been Garda vetted? I'm sure you have and know how long it takes. You can even submit application online now.