Presidential Election 2025

Connolly has a mandate for the type of presidency she offered, which was to act for the welfare of the people.
If that means she has criticisms of government policy she will address that.
Like it or not, that is her 'platform' now.

And given the size of her vote, FF FG will be afraid to do anything about it. Not because they fear something is unconstitutional but because they know they risk a furious backlash. They'll be well schooled as it is by this result.

That's the real politik of it IMO

Im wondering if one positive thing that might come out of this election is more support for the Irish language from the government.

Níl mé sásta leis an leibhéal tacaíochta rialtais dó. Ní mór níos mó deiseanna a bheith ann chun é a úsáid san ionad oibre, sna cúirteanna etc.

Edit: Helen McEntee is a very strong debater and polished media performer. I personally would not have supported her though due to disagreeing with her pushing the flawed hate speech bill last year, and handling of asylum policy. I'm opposed to giving politicians and judges the power of politucal censorship.

Brendan O'Connor saying could be 100,000+ spoiled votes.

David Quinn saying that the low turnout means there isnt really a "movement" for the Left. Says the reason for the large number of spoiled votes is that people didnt have the candidates they wanted.

A recent poll found 50% felt there wasnt anyone on the ballot who represented them. I think that's reflected if you have a 42% or less turnout and 10% spoiled vote.

Helen a strong debater? Did you watch the referendum debates? She couldn't debate what day it was

This is the thing.

Connolly is a bit of a loon, with far left views. It will be interesting when she puts her foot in it and pisses off our allies in Europe.

Im assuming that, if it has not happened already, McGuirk, Steen, et al - will be claiming a huge victory based on the large spoiled vote.

I dont view it as a credible move on their part.

Saying that the electorate had very little choice in this election

is not Mutually exclusive to

Saying that Steen would have represented a regressive ideology and view point.

I dont think its valid IMHO - but they will no doubt claim the spoil as being for their side of the fence

I'd like to think FG will drop the US-style "smear and attack" campaign we saw this time around. Perhaps next time, they might even tell us why we should vote for their candidate, instead of just saying over and over again why we shouldn't vote for their opponent.

I doubt it, though.

Ah you’ll be grand. Stiff upper li and all that my good lad😀 Christ people are easily embarrassed these days.

It would be wrong to interpret the spoiled votes as being solely about Steen or as coming from right wing voters. They probably came from all over the place and reflect a general annoyance with the government and / or 'the establishment'.