Presidential Election 2025

Similar to the US, it's depressing that the two (even three) candidates on the ballot are the best Ireland has to offer for the presidency.

My view is that the presidency of Ireland is best suited to an academic, well versed in Irish history and literature and with a firm understanding of the constitution. They also need to be a moderate, with centrist (ish) views that reflect the majority of the electorate. They don't need to be a politician, but certainly should be able to demonstrate a track record of public service.

For me HH is out due to her association with the orange order, and CC is out due to her association with Mick Wallace, Clare Daly, Gemma O'Doherty etc.

@FrancieBrady if you are running for president, PLEASE let me run the campaign! We can win this, but HEED THE ADVICE and AVOID HOT POTATOS (unless we are talking about a single of chips 🤣)

“For me HH is out due to her association with the orange order, and CC is out due to her association with Mick Wallace, Clare Daly, Gemma O'Doherty etc.”

Harsh on Heather to be fair - she “grew up” in that environment but has moved away from it since albeit understandably she has attended some garden party things in more recent years -she’s certainly not a paddy-hate singer on the 12th - and she’s very much putting herself forward as a person who can engage with the Protestant community which is important - it’s your call and vote- I’d never advocate for some orange order fanatic to be president of anything but I’m happy that Heathers association with the Orange order is limited and quite historic at this stage.

“CC is offering a more engaged style President - performing the constitutional role and speaking on the issues of the day in the mould of Michael D. Higgins, McAleese etc.”

It’s funny you mention McAleese- because every debate I’ve watched, HH refers to her and states she’d like to carry on her work - so what you’re saying really is, both want to be McAleese.

I dont have absolute certainty on anything, except that when i make a point? It tends to be backed up by evidence. And a willingness to actually discuss it with anyone who wishes to.

You asked me about a week ago RE the Ukraine, and was there any solution in sight.

I thought about it, and offered a fair response, outlining the situation as i saw it. I ended it by leaving it open to response.

You responded, by not engaging on the topic; you moved straight onto a completely different subject elsewhere.

That is a fair assessment of how you have conducted yourself on this thread.

• You are raising points,
• and when you receive pushback
• you move onto something else

Happy to provide links if you want, but that is how i see it, and im probably not alone.

Either way it seems to be two sides of the same coin at this stage.

Like the Mazda MX5 or the Fiat 124 Spider - both very similar cars - after that it’s personal choice really

Type in “law researcher public jobs oireachtas”

https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/humanResources/recruitment/2022/2022-11-02_senior-researcher-law-booklet_en.pdf

You will see that common security procedure for working in LH does NOT only include jobs involving children and youths. Those who were Successful in the application were not eligible to take the post unless Garda Vetting already cleared. Also must abide by official secrets act etc.

“It is YOUR responsibility to seek security clearances in a timely fashion as they can take some time. You cannot be appointed without this information being provided and being in order”

Common sense.

My read of what CC is saying, is that the 'information' (the application form 'with full disclosure from O'Shionnan) was 'provided and in order' before appointment as required.

She has said this several times.

That is your “read” from it? Come on what sort of Government job allows regular access to LH without completed security clearance. Thereby giving an oireachtas card and pass. There is a damn good reason why Ni Shionnain wasn’t given her own pass (for six months) and you know it.

If there was a SF candidate in this presidential race you would be hammering Connolly for this, I suspect.

You are no eejit and are just trying to pretend not to grasp the seriousness of it. Is my take. Or pretend it is the norm.

Good call,you know what you are dealing with there ….

You’re using the “lots of people say” technique without ever having to prove anything - I’ve had plenty of conversations with “people I know” who believe CC is not suitable as president and won’t be voting for her -quite a lot of conversations actually which helps put into perspective the concentrated support for CC here on the threads -.but again, that doesn’t really aid discussion on this site, except to poo poo a candidate

How much integrity would we want to see from our Taoiseach? Would we like to see him squaring off with Trump? The presidency seems to operate as a safety valve for Paddy to let off steam, to have a teller of truths in high office without endangering the quids.