Presidential Election 2025

We might end up at odds during a general election. Which is fine of course, and we could debate that when the time comes. It was via Eoin O Broin that I began to see SF as a possible alternative to FFG. I would have deep concerns RE independent left wing activist-types being a part of a left wing majority. I would worry every day, that they could walk out, over something trivial, which would be horridly damaging for the left as a whole.

Just have to watch this space I suppose. For me, if CC loses, it might demonstrate the unstable nature of said Left Wing activist-types, when it comes to winning elections. If she wins, then maybe the Left Wing realise that they have much to gain from cooperation. That might be spin on my part but il try and take a positive when ever possible.

On the topic of SF, i think Labour were, at one stage, the obvious flag bearers for the possibility of Left-led government in Ireland. But they behaved poorly in propping up FFG for decades, so the support edged away from them. I can understand people having misgivings RE Sinn Fein, but i feel it has relaxed a bit in recent decades.

Like i said, just watch this space i guess

In both O'Cuiv's and Connolly's opinion she had demonstrated her rehabilitation sufficiently.

Fair enough you think she was náive, what actually happened demonstrates impeccable judgement from both of them.

“To me It took the shine off President Higgins good years when he was all about language, arts, sport - Irish culture.”

Totally agree with what you say there- the role of the irish presidency is limited as we know but you can still make a difference - it’s best to be known for doing some small areas very well as opposed to concerning yourself with broad issues - lord knows both sport and the arts always need good support -Nothing at all wrong with focusing on those areas - and promoting peace and understanding too through learning about other cultures on this island is also a noble presidential cause -I’d love to see an Irish president be responsible for more NI people visiting the ROI and vica versa - that would be a huge contribution to Irish society

SF will definitely get in power in DE at some point whether @blanch152 or myself like it or not. It is just a question of the right percentage of the electorate dying off year on year.

But when SF do get into power it will be more a success for the Irish democratic system. Which forced SF to normalise and become more centrist. And dare I say the establishment.

To me Connolly represents what SF used to be (minus the guns) same radical tone very anti EU etc. To me Connolly is more a PBP candidate rather than a SF one really. SF only ever reluctantly backed Connolly because they had no candidate of their own.

Labour and the Soc dems are just tagging along hoping for some reflected left glory.

Also underneath it all is the hope that a left alliance could work together. Getting the electorate used to the idea of a left pact for the next general election. A vote for Connolly is not about the Presidency really. For many it is Gaza, getting FF and FG out, and creating a focal point for the left, a precursor to a left alliance in a future GE.

Good summation and I agree that SF are drifting centrally. They're drifting towards a more populist position which once was the wheelhouse of FF. General populism with some mild republicanism mixed in. It's good thing really. I still currently couldn't vote for them, there is still too much of the 'Army Council' type decision making going on and their economic policies are taken direct from the FF playbook pre-crash. I do expect them to lead a government coalition though in the next 10-20 years. I won't be pleased but that's democracy. I'll be pleased if SF become more moderate in doing so however.

The left alliance is an interesting point, CC's presidential bid is a litmus test for it in some ways. But given that the SD's are a splinter group because they couldn't agree with Labour on policy then it's hard to see how they'll agree on a program for government. Not to mention getting SF to agree with them both. If they need independents and the PBP then forget about it, they have no interest in the compromises needed to form a working government.

Those competent people with good judgement being members of An Garda Síochána?

That's rubbish, I applied to be a maths tutor for LC students when I was back in college and I wasn't allowed to start the job until I had completed my Garda Vetting. The LC had come and gone by the time I got clearance and I of course wasn't allow start the job anyway while the clearance was pending. Starting your employment before the vetting process is complete doesn't happen in any other line of work, and rightly so. It protects potentially vulnerable people. You need Garda Vetting clearance to coach underage sports in this country never mind work in the Dáil.

Yea i could agree and disagree on a few points there.

I would probably frame Connolly as more of an Independent Activist Lefty, along Clare Daly, Boyd Barrett lines. Both of these politicians are fantastic at communicating, and really phenominal performers. But as I would say it, their tendency to go 'off script' can be damaging. Daly destroyed herself in my eyes, during the early days of the Ukraine War. At a time when the EU impressed me greatly, in its determination to assist Ukraine, Daly made a show of herself. I can say that as someone who lives in her constituency - that ended any chance she had of maintaining my vote. I remember there was a thread which was quite active a few years back, and I can remember beginning to 'fall out' with Daly in particular. Going from 'giving her a pass', toward cringe, and then ending at 'This is absurd, i wont be voting for her again'.

I think SF have landed at a center left position. There certainly are some loud voices that can sound quite radical at times. But my thinking would be that the party is a kind of 'dual monarchy', between here and Belfast. Its unified on certain topics, but there are points of subtle divergence. But the game is altogether different between the Dail and Stormont. Frankly the fact that they do, broadly speaking, remain a relatively united party is impressive considering the difference.

I had high hopes that the SocDems would make a bigger impact in Irish politics, but Stephen Donnelly leaving scuppered that. Im sure the SocDems were disorganized, but Donnelly leaving to join FFG was a shock. I know he briefly stood as an indo, but still. Not going to lie, when he lost his seat in Wicklow - i cheered.

Labour is a different story, i used to be totally Labour, one, one, one at election times. But the history of being in coalition, and failing to force Enda to cope with a minority government was unforgivable. I still backed Eamon Gilmore for a time, and then Joan Burton came along, and that was the end. Frequently end up in debates and argument with Labour people, about how they 'took a courageous decision to prop up FG in 2011'. Ironically, to these guys, i am the 'radical voice' who 'refuses to accept the nature of politics'. 😂

We will just have to see how the left behave, but i am always of the opinion that they need to jettison the loud activist class within their ranks. These will be the group who will sink the ship. I could see the Left having a coalition, including these radical activists - and when something difficult occurs as it no doubt will? They will collapse the government, putting their 'principles' above politics. Collapsing it will lead to a general election, FFG will be back in power, and the left will have lost credibility. For me, its best to have an alliance of the left, made only of those members who can agree a platform of government, while committing to remain on side for the duration. SF, SocDems, Labour, perhaps elements of some smaller left wing groups. Maybe that works?

Add Boyd Barrett, Daly et al? You are attaching a mine to the side of your ship, and hoping it doesnt go off for 5 years.

Humphreys having to face questioning on a FG smear campaign is really really not the way they want to be going into the last week.

That's the headline news for her today. Bad look.

I did say back the thread that they risked a backlash and here we are.

And to attend the Eirgi Ard Fheis weeks before CC appointed her. Contrition?