Catherine Connolly asserts she is “ready” to serve as president of Ireland, seeing her potential presidency as “part of a movement.”
The Independent TD for Galway West announced her presidential candidacy in mid-July with the support of the Social Democrats and People Before Profit. Thursday evening saw her gain further backing from the Labour Party, revealing that a clear majority of its members favored supporting her bid.
Labour TD Ciarán Ahern, in explaining the endorsement, acknowledged potential differences but emphasized Labour’s commitment to ensuring that “equality, justice, and tolerance” are reflected in the presidency, qualities he believes Ms. Connolly embodies.
During an online campaign launch rally held earlier on Thursday, Ms. Connolly stated, “The movement we’re building champions decency, democracy, courage, and compassion, alongside indignation, outrage, and anger.”
She elaborated: “These are appropriate feelings when we normalize what is fundamentally abnormal — man-made famine in Gaza and Sudan, the latter of which receives scant attention, and the ongoing war following Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.”
“We must use all our voices, and I see myself as embodying your values: standing up and using our voices for world peace, thus realizing the constitutional aspiration of seeking peaceful solutions to war.”
Ms. Connolly expressed her belief that the president’s role could “reflect the values we hold dear and celebrate the beauty of our country in all its diversity,” and she thanked the Irish people for their advocacy on behalf of Gaza.
She highlighted her experience as a clinical psychologist, barrister, city councillor, TD, leas ceann comhairle, and a mother.
“With all of this experience, and with your help and solidarity, I am ready to take on the role of president of this country,” she declared.
Ms. Connolly affirmed that she was “proud to be part of a movement with you for a better country, one that prioritizes the common good.”
Bernadette Devlin McAliskey, a longtime activist, endorsed Ms. Connolly, describing her as someone “not seduced” by power, who would lead “with integrity, but with a gentleness.”
“Catherine Connolly epitomises all that we wish to be,” said Ms Devlin McAliskey.
Writer Fintan Drury addressed the 700-strong online audience, asserting that Ms. Connolly “represents an Ireland that remains generous” and “is a leader who can help time come good.”
Prior to entering politics, Ms. Connolly worked as a barrister and clinical psychologist. She served as a councillor for 17 years and held the position of Galway mayor until 2005.
She resigned from the Labour Party in 2006 after failing to be selected as a running mate to then-incumbent TD Michael D. Higgins.
She was first elected to the Dáil as an Independent candidate for Galway West in 2016.
