Presidential Election 2025

Had they any sense, the minute FF heard 'landlord issues' their checks should have been forensic given their history.

I was thinking Re Connolly on reflection she might not be as naive as she first appears? Slithered out of circumventing the Leinster house security rules. Didn’t answer the question properly in the last debate.

Partly as the other two didn’t frame the question back to Connolly with enough bite. But also because she smiled and in that quiet voice made her bluffing seem “honest”.

She also did the same re her clarification on her 1930’s Germany comments, albeit not as well. But still quietly bluffed it in that style she has. Using her favourite buzzwords. “Genocide” “Palestine”. Maybe her training as a psychologist helps her knowing the buzzwords to drop at the right times?

Connolly’s demeanour is how I imagine those two nuns were - when they brokered a great deal with Michael Woods in the early 2000’s. It was re the redress for child abuse victims.

At the time people laughed at how two nuns could out manoeuvre a veteran government minister? But they likely simply used the passive aggressive “Connolly like” demeanour. Quietly spoken, with big smiles.

I take your point - maybe the final thing to say is CC heads the polls, significantly in my view (last Sundays Indo) - I think that lead will increase now that JG has gone - it would take a very organised FF/FG voter mobilisation to beat her - I don’t see that happening

Yeh that's a very good point. Let them get to the finish line, and then try to trip them just before they cross.

Gavin is not a politician never was, never will be. Even Danny Healy-Rae would do better in a tv presidential debate than Gavin would have.

Why? He would have shown energy and fire. He would blame his opponents. Target their records relentlessly. And if all else failed blame “God above” if things were going against him.

Terrible candidates in my view from day 1- not one of them is really what Ireland needs right now - I’m completely disheartened that we don’t have someone who can bring the whole nation together which is essentially their role - I’ll be switching off if CC gets through - I absolutely detest her and the thought processes she’s bringing with her - very disillusioned

Anything possible at this stage.

Whodathunk Jim Gavin would be at home deleting his social profiles with a couple of weeks to go.

Wont be voting "Heather"...so either CC or spoil.

Id say it is Connolly's to lose at this stage.

I wouldnt bet against her losing it though, as she still seems like the quintessential left wing activist candidate. I just think its entirely possible that she saunters into another foreign policy mess. Or that, something else she said/done, during her career comes back to haunt her.

I think the Gavin fiasco done CC a huge favour. I wasnt impressed by her response on Sunday, to the Eirigi mess, and her stating plainly that she 'admires' the lady at the heart of it. But the talking points from sunday have been, Gavin, the rent scandal, and Martins leadership of Fianna Fail.

The budget today does a huge favour for CC too. Despite the presidency not being a policy role, Humphreys will take a hit today, among those on lower wages.

If i am in CC's campaign, im saying the following

• Connolly should attack Humphreys on the budget, and her ministerial career with FG. Stances she had on disability, and social protection are all fair game.
• If asked she should further defuse the Eirigi scandal, and dont repeat any statements of 'admiration' for anyone involved. Move off the topic at the earliest opportunity.
• Avoid foreign policy in any public appearances - her positions are clear, everyone knows her thoughts on FP - dont bring it up unless asked. In that case, avoid making anymore statements, and just point to her feelings already being known.
• Concentrate on the cost of living situation, and being a president who represents the most needy in society. Connect these talking points to her stances during her time as a TD
• If any skeletons emerge from the past - dont comment, until you and your campaign staff can formulate a strategy to deal with it.

She should win, no doubt. Its her's to lose; but if ANYONE is capable of losing a presidential election, despite having such a commanding position - it is Catherine Connolly.

On Tonight/tv3 ,one off the contributors made a comment something like that the fact that someone was prosecuted in the Special Criminal Court make it a terrorist offence. This appears to be somewhat the case if you look at Courts.ie as quoted below. Is it reasonable for me to have suspicions that CC may well have links to terrorists/organized crime in that she employed an indicated terrorist (or organised criminal) that was still politically active?…. or am I pushing things too far.

Most indictable offences are dealt with in the Circuit Court.  They are tried before a judge and jury and include offences such as burglary, certain types of assault, robbery, serious drugs and sexual assault.  Offences such as murder, rape, treason and piracy are dealt with by the Central Criminal Court.  Terrorist offences and offences with an organized crime element can be heard by the non-jury Special Criminal Court.

https://www.courts.ie/guides/circuit-court-criminal-cases#:~:text=Terrorist%20offences%20and%20offences%20with,non%2Djury%20Special%20Criminal%20Court.

Well, i can give you my opinion.

If im in Heather Humphreys camp - I am saying the following

• At every oppertunity, bring up Connolly and the Eirigi scandal. Highlight that CC 'admires' a lady with a conviction in the SCC, who mock executed the British Head of State on O'Connell street. Highlight CC's view that Eirigi are a 'legitimate socialist party' despite the fact they dont fully endores the Irish State. While acknowledging that, technically Eirigi are a political party, enquire as to whether Connolly is 'courting' Eirgi support in her campaign.
• Attack Connolly on every statement she has made RE foreign Policy. Outline how it damages her credibility, while asking what effect it could have, if said statements were to be made by the President. Not just Germany, but the 'hamas' comments, and those on the US being an empire as bad as Russia.
• Ask her if she considers NATO to be responsible for the Ukraine war.
• Connolly condemned Russia as an afterthought on sunday - ask her to acknowledge that Russia is a serious bad actor on the global stage, and challenge her to explain why she believes its in any way analagous to the roll of the US.
• Highlight her own standing as a diplomatic politician; Yes she has her views, but she would never blunder into a damaging situation RE Irelands relationship with Washington, or Brussels.

Just off the top of my head but- all valid points for HH to use

l think if Gavin owed the bank millions and reneged it would be somehow more acceptable. There is something terribly mean in screwing what appears to be an ordinary Joe soap out of €3300 and holding on to it for 16 years.

At every oppertunity, bring up Connolly and the Eirigi scandal. Highlight that CC 'admires' a lady with a conviction in the SCC, who mock executed the British Head of State on O'Connell street. Highlight CC's view that Eirigi are a 'legitimate socialist party' despite the fact they dont fully endores the Irish State. While acknowledging that, technically Eirigi are a political party, enquire as to whether Connolly is 'courting' Eirgi support in her campaign.

Foolish. Gives Connolly the chance to talk about what rehabilitation is and that she admired what this woman did in prison to begin that journey and decided to help her. Would make Heather look cruel and draconian. Remember this woman went on to lead a crime free and normal life.

Attack Connolly on every statement she has made RE foreign Policy. Outline how it damages her credibility, while asking what effect it could have, if said statements were to be made by the President. Not just Germany, but the 'hamas' comments, and those on the US being an empire as bad as Russia.

Hasn't worked and is unlikely to now.

Ask her if she considers NATO to be responsible for the Ukraine war.

Given that is an un-nuanced reflection on what Connolly actually says, she risks Connolly once again chewing her up with a much superior intellect and command of the subject.

Connolly condemned Russia as an afterthought on sunday - ask her to acknowledge that Russia is a serious bad actor on the global stage, and challenge her to explain why she believes its in any way analagous to the roll of the US.

Connolly is on record multiple times in the Dáil condemning Russia. Again, she'll chew up that argument and spit it out in little pieces.

Highlight her own standing as a diplomatic politician; Yes she has her views, but she would never blunder into a damaging situation RE Irelands relationship with Washington, or Brussels.

Yes, she can do that.

Not the “only” critical area as President. The president is part of the legislature is one of the three arms of the state under the separation of powers. The POI can refer Bills to the SC (if so desired as per A26 of the constitution) before signing them into legislation.

Given Connolly’s knowledge of the law it is another plus point for her. But I have not heard mentioned as yet.

I would say that some objectivity is necessary, RE how the public view Connollys Foreign Policy. You absolutely agree with Connolly, as does her base. Another segment may simply view it as irrelevant; she is not running to be Foreign minister. Others like me find it messy and divisive, and yet more may not have considered it properly.

Regardless of what position the public takes on these issues, CC has made her thoughts clear. For the sake of her supporters, who agree with her, and her base, who are in the bag; She should move away from it if possible.

I tried to remain objective on what I WOULD SAY, were i advising them.

The media are setting the agenda on this stuff. Perhaps they'll stop as it doesn't appear to have any traction.

You think that HH attacking the lady at the heart of the Eirigi scandal would be cruel. Possibly, but that is politics. HH has every right to bring up the Eirigi scandal, and it remains damaging (albeit muted at present thanks to Gavin and the budget)

Yes, I think Connolly has answered on this. Attacking a woman who has made something of her life is never going to be a good look.

Her opinions on NATO re the Russia/Ukraine conflict are not un-nuanced- she has stated them many times for years, and again - its valid for HH to ask her to state them, now, in the election. If CC were to roll back, and leave 'NATO EXPANSION' out of her position, she would successfully defuse this talking point.

That is you, allowing your view to lead you to believe it is the only legitimate view.
Again, Heather hasn't the ability to win this argument, she simply isn't up to it with Connolly.

Just my thoughts too, but you are viewing things through a prism.

Yes, she must sign it. It's by and large a rubber stamp. Also she can only refer in consultation with the Council of State. I don't know if there is a single thing the President can actually do without either the Government or Council of State.