Presidential Election 2025

I will be voting for the person that mentions the word Palestine the least.

no they’re not. They have absolute no option but to say this. Connolly is only one rabbiting on about Palestine and the conflict in Gaza; and trying to slate western countries and the EU. The other two just react and answer off a script regarding the conflict in Gaza

asked about it because she herself rabbits on about it. I have heard several interviews of hers since her presidency announcement where she brings up Palestine and Gaza. Add on her own commentary about not trusting our neighbour, not trusting other EU neighbours, and not trusting America.

Said it before. If she concentrates more on this country and what we can do and how we can flourish, and leave these ridiculously complicated hateful wars alone, and quits slating our neighbours, she’d probably win

• There is no 'outrage' beyond performative nonsense in discussions like this and among sections of politically aligned people opposed to CC.

She has refused to back down on any issues including America/Trans-Atlantic-Partnership, or as you term it 'Western Imperialism'. She maintained the stance on Germany and europe re-arming. She could have walked these topics back slightly, even to appear more moderate. She chose not to, as his her right.

I am not 'politically alligned in opposition' to CC. And in criticizing her, i have repeatidly pointed out that if she pivotted away from politically contentious topics, she could do well, and it would benefit the entire left.

I dont consider any of our discussion here 'performative' either; its political engagement. Iv offered to debate you numerous times on the issue of German Re-arming, and 'American/Western Imperialism'. Talking points that I firmly believe she is on the wrong side of, factually - I have yet to be responded to.

• You've already decided that CC has no appeal beyond her base yet we've seen no substantial polls thus far. Let's wait and see what info they tell us but ultimately October 25th will indicate how she has done.

I have repeatidly bemoaned to lack of adequate polling data. That said, i am giving my opinion on the campaign, as it progresses. Not just for CC, but for the election as a whole. Given the talking points, and tone, i dont see it going well for CC. Due to a series of Unforced errors on her part.

• The media are overwhelmingly 'centrist' orientated and no matter what CC does she will be dealt with far more harshly than anyone else...we've see this playback used here and elsewhere...you toe the centrist line or else. Anyone with an ounce of objective political analysis can see what's happening with CC, much of the coverage is so utterly disingenuous.

I could respond directly to this - but I may as well allow Waterford Whispers to do so. Literally this is exactly what you are saying.

https://waterfordwhispersnews.com/2025/10/02/biased-media-campaign-against-catherine-connolly-using-facts-to-smear-her/

The Journal used a headline and story based on an as yet unproven ‘fact’ - that Garda intervened to stop her employing somebody and that she appealed it.

The Village harpooned some of the Irish Times coverage too - slanted to smear her.

Smell the coffee.

They aren’t facts Jim. There is no evidence the Gardai intervened or that she tried to appeal.

“Smell the coffee.”

Is that what they call it these days

“Of course we shouldn’t trust them. Mutual respect but realise they are out for their own interests, naturally.”

And Ireland is out for what exactly?

A lot of trust has been built up between EU countries and wider afield also - this doesn’t mean countries don’t look after their own interests too - of course they do. Your trust statement is just complete rubbish - there is common ground between countries outside of their “interests” - that’s how business is done

Its now been broadly covered by more outlets - but no, i still have no real timeline of events.

No real explanation has been offered for how this all took place. I also cannot see an explanation for why CC felt it appropriate to hire someone with an extremist background. She needs comment on the video (doing the rounds) where the lady takes part in a mock execution of the Queen of England. It goes to her decision making, and credibility as a candidate.

We need clarity on this topic. We need to know how the lady ended up in the building, prior to being vetted. We need to know the nature of the appeals process. Given competing statements, we need someone to offer up a time-line of events, so we can see how the incident was resolved. Its unclear whether the lady, failed the background check, or quit prior to failing. There are too many questions.

https://www.thejournal.ie/catherine-connolly-taoiseach-radio-6832805-Oct2025/

https://www.rte.ie/news/politics/2025/1003/1536717-catherine-connolly/

https://www.rte.ie/news/presidential-election/2025/1002/1536513-catherine-connolly/

Its an election campaign. The issue has been raised, as well it should be, and it is a valid story. She needs to come out and address it, credibly. I would say that about ANY presidential candidate. Whether its David Norris and his letter writing in 2011, or Brian Lenihan in 1990 and 'that phone call'. If you run for president, and an issue comes up, you deal with.

You could reply that the fact it has been covered by multiple outlets, means it has been covered an be closed. But iv read each of those articles and there are numerous non sequiturs.

Sure you know what Connolly will say again if asked “she abhors all violence” she will then go on about rehabilitation, everyone deserving a chance, served her time etc.

That Ni Shionnain was the “gold standard” for the job recommended by O’Cuiv.
But she won’t focus on the potential security threat, or if she is too trusting of people, demonstrating a certain naivety. And whether this idealistic nature has the potential to compromise her position if elected President.

It is not really a one off with Connolly she has a pattern of doing the same things Syria been easily duped by the Syrian regime etc. To me there is a clear behaviour pattern in Connolly sees the good in everyone, and anyone could take advantage of that.

Hope your power comes back @FrancieBrady - always a pain when it goes, i have personal experience

Yea look i have no issue with rehabilitation, or giving second chances. But its an open story for me, and CC needs to close it, for good. Otherwise it will just come up again and again. Its also painfully tied to her Irish Language credentials.

How and ever, we will just watch this space again.

I don’t “trust” France in July as simply 1/2 the country will go on strike and flights will likely be cancelled - but other then that, as a country, yes I trust France to do business with and a valued EU trading country for Ireland

To illustrate just how important this election is- RTÉ News hasn’t mentioned it in the first 14 minutes of the programme - it will feature somewhere in part 2.

He was praised by his leader for his work with prisoners and for the advice on same that he gave to the Minister for Justice.

No particular fan of his but he is a multi high office holder himself, hardly a maverick.