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Irish Daily Mirror
13 hours ago
- Politics
- Irish Daily Mirror
Presidential hopeful Gareth Sheridan slams candidate Catherine Connolly
Presidential hopeful Gareth Sheridan has slammed Independent candidate Catherine Connolly for 'expressing what could be interpreted as a pro-Putin stance'. Last week, the multimillionaire entrepreneur launched his campaign to get on the ballot. To run for the Irish presidency, hopefuls must be nominated by at least 20 members of the Oireachtas or at least four local authorities. Mr Sheridan claims he has support in Tipperary and Laois councils, and others that he has not named. However, a hearing will still have to take place in each for him to be nominated. Despite not yet receiving nominations to get on the ballot, the 35-year-old has already accused the only confirmed candidate as 'expressing what could be interpreted as a pro-Putin stance'. This comes after the presidential candidate said the EU has 'lost its moral compass' and that Ireland cannot trust the US, England or France. She said: 'The US, England and France are deeply entrenched in an arms industry which causes bloodshed across the world – as a staunch advocate for neutrality, this behaviour must be condemned.' Independent TD Catherine Connolly who has confirmed she will seek to become the next Irish president (Image: Brian Lawless/PA Wire) Mr Sheridan said he fears this stance is 'evidence of her Anti-EU politics". In a statement, he added: 'Ms Connolly is hoping to be our next President and her claim that Ireland can't trust the United States, the United Kingdom and France is an ill-judged over-step. 'We will have a new President in less than thirteen weeks and here is Deputy Connolly, a Party candidate endorsed by the Social Democrats and People Before Profit, on the weekend of a US – Russian Summit to achieve peace in Ukraine, expressing what could be interpreted as a pro-Putin stance. 'Ukraine President Zelensky is on record numerous times thanking the EU, USA and UK for their financial and military aid to defend his country against the Russian invasion.' Catherine Connolly's team has been contacted for comment. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
Irish Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Daily Mirror
Heather Humphreys likely to be second confirmed candidate to enter Áras race
Heather Humphreys is likely to be the second confirmed candidate to enter the race for the Aras and yesterday she received the backing of a government minister. Independent TD Noel Grealish has said he believes the former social protection minister would make an excellent president if she were to put her name forward. The Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture said Ms Humphreys is vastly experienced and well regarded by TDs across parties. He said: "Heather was a vastly experienced Minister at cabinet, having served in a number of different portfolios and representing the interests of all Irish people. 'She was very well regarded by TDs across all political parties and she would appeal to a broad base of voters,' said Minister Grealish. 'Heather has an in-depth knowledge of the Constitution and the role of President and she would represent our country with distinction both at home and abroad if she were to be elected as President of Ireland.' So far independent TD Catherine Connolly is the only confirmed candidate after formally launching her bid to become Ireland's next president last month. During the week former justice minister Frances Fitzgerald ruled herself out of the presidential race shortly after Mairead McGuinness' departure from the election contest on health grounds. Senior Fine Gael party members will meet over the coming days to consider its next steps and it is likely Ms Humphreys will be urged to become a candidate. The former Cavan-Monaghan TD had been linked with a presidential bid before, and while she said she was flattered to be considered before withdrawing her name. Former GAA chief and MEP Seán Kelly is another possible Fine Gael candidate after saying he will "most likely reconsider" his possible candidacy in the presidential campaign in light of Mairead McGuinness' withdrawal. Meanwhile presidential hopeful Gareth Sheridan, who claims he has the backing of two local councils, has criticised what he claimed are Catherine Connolly's 'aggressive nationalism' and her attack on Ireland's allies. He said: Catherine Connolly is wrong to engage in a form of aggressive Nationalism and worse, attacking our long-established allies. 'I fear this is evidence of her Anti-EU politics. Ms Connolly is hoping to be our next President and her claim that Ireland can't trust the United States, the United Kingdom and France is an ill-judged over-step. 'We will have a new President in less than thirteen weeks and here is Deputy Connolly, a Party candidate endorsed by the Social Democrats and People Before Profit, on the weekend of a US – Russian Summit to achieve peace in Ukraine, expressing what could be interpreted as a pro-Putin stance. 'Ukraine President Zelensky is on record numerous times thanking the EU, USA and UK for their financial and military aid to defend his country against the Russian invasion. 'For myself, as a non-party, a-political candidate not beholden to any ideology, seeking a nomination under Article 12.2.2. of our Constitution, I am calling for an immediate end to invasions of Ukraine and Gaza. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
Scottish Sun
02-06-2025
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
How hooligan prez Nawrocki puts Poland on EU collision course, gives Trump key ally & has torpedoed arch-eurocrat Tusk
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) KAROL Nawrocki has been elected as Poland's new president in a gargantuan blow to the reform agenda of the country's pro-EU government. The Trump-backed, right-wing historian with a hooliganism past won the election with a slim 50.89% of the votes on Sunday. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 9 Marta Nawrocka and supported by Law and Justice party candidate for the President of Poland Karol Nawrocki during the election Credit: Getty 9 President Donald Trump (R) meets with and poses for a photo with Polish presidential candidate Karol Nawrocki in the Oval Office in May Credit: White House 9 Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk attends a special meeting at Maritime Operations Centre in Gdynia, northern Poland Credit: EPA With support from the nationalist-conservative Law and Justice Party (PiS), Nawrocki beat Warsaw's liberal mayor Rafal Trzaskowski by a small majority. EU chaos Nawrocki's narrow victory has shown a clear comeback for PiS after it lost parliamentary elections in October 2023 - but represents a catastrophic loss for the center-right coalition led by former European Council president Donald Tusk. Under previous rule of the PiS, relations between Brussels and Warsaw became increasingly hostile over a suppression on human rights alongside a lapse on the rule of law. This met its boiling point, leading to the suspension of EU funds for Poland. Tusk then attempted to restore relations when his government took power in 2023, but the past president from PiS Andrzej Duda got in the way, using his veto power as a weapon. But it's thought Nawrocki - an outspoken euroskeptic - will continue Duda's efforts in fighting against EU federalist proclivity. Adam Leszczyński, director of the Gabriel Narutowicz Institute of Political Thought, said: "[Nawrocki] will be much worse for Tusk than Duda. "He is much more extreme in his views and he is coming into this presidency with a lot of resentment, after really getting a very personal beating from Tusk and his allies during the campaign." When dealing with EU affairs, it's though Nawrocki will not shy away from confrontation and go fourth in criticising the European Commission. Centrist European leaders were forced to congratulate Nawrocki on his win. Anti-EU hooligan 'pimp' wins Poland presidential election in knife-edge vote European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has urged the victorious Pole to "work to ensure the security and prosperity of our common home [the EU]." Poland's own MAGA movement The Polish vote also represents a victory for the Maga movement abroad. It comes after other right-wing politicians almost imitating US President Donald Trump were defeated in elections around the world, like Canada. Despite Nawrocki only meeting Trump briefly in the run-up to the election, some of the Republican's top officials were sent to Poland for a Conservative Political Action Conference just last week. There, US homeland security secretary Kristi Noem was clear in his support for him, urging Poles to "elect the right leader". And if Noem's endorsement wasn't clear enough, she described Nawrocki's election rival Trzaskowski as an "absolute train wreck". A political historian at George Washington University said that the Polish result shows that "the far-right, anti-EU, pro-Trump forces are stickier and more entrenched than many observers assumed." Nawrocki will now join the likes of Hungary's Viktor Orban - Europe's longest-serving prime minister - who, like him, is a Trump ally and wanting re-election next year. 9 Karol Nawrocki has won Poland's presidential election by a narrow margin Credit: Getty 9 The politician is also an amateur boxer 9 Karol Nawrocki gestures as he arrives with his family to cast his ballot at a polling station Credit: Getty Ukraine questions Unlike other eurosceptics in central Europe like Orban, Nawrocki supports giving military aid to help Ukraine in the bloody war with Russia. But he also revealed prior to his win that he will oppose membership in Western alliances for Ukraine. This view aligns with the falling support among Poles for Ukrainians, with the country having hosted more than a million refugees from across the border. Nawrocki's critics said he was fuelling unease over Ukrainian refugees at a time when the far-right is highlighting migration, the cost of living and security. He cited his campaign slogan, Poland First. "Let's help others, but let's take care of our own citizens first," he said on social media in April. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shared his hope that the two nations would continue their close partnership. He wrote in a post on X: "By reinforcing one another on our continent, we give greater strength to Europe in global competition and bring the achievement of real and lasting peace closer. "I look forward to continued fruitful cooperation with Poland and with President Nawrocki personally." Nawrocki's turbulent past A mere six months ago, Nawrocki was a fairly unknown name in the political world. But in the run up to the election, the historian posted videos of himself at shooting ranges and boxing rings - cultivating a tough-guy image for voters. The past two weeks have seen Nawrocki vehemently denying claims he has contacts in the criminal underworld - and that he got prostitutes to pretend to be guests at a luxury hotel. But his campaign team were forced to admit that the new Polish leader did in fact engage in a bare-knuckle mass brawl between rival football hooligans in 2009. Nawrocki is said to have had such huge loyalty to Chelsea football club he once had its logo tattooed on his chest, but was also a rabid supporter of local team Lechia Gdansk. Its thuggish fans call themselves the "hooligans of the Free City". 9 Patryk Masiak with Karol Nawrocki Credit: Social Media 9 Karol Nawrocki kisses his wife Marta Nawrocka 9 Marta Nawrocka and President of Poland Karol Nawrocki during the election Credit: Getty The amateur boxer told a debate when confronted over the brawl reports: "All my sports activities were based on the strength of my heart, the strength of my muscles, my fists. "It was a fair competition, regardless of the form." Despite Nawrocki clarifying that he didn't regret his actions, and even calling it an act of "noble combat," fears loomed among supporters that the confession would cost him the election - but he was able to secure the win. In another questionable act for a politician, last year Nawrocki was pictured with fellow Lechia supporter Patryck Masiak who has been to prison for abducting a woman. MMA fighter Masiak is also facing additional court proceedings for participation in an organise crime group and pimping. Szymon Jadczak, an investigative writer for the Wirtualna Polska news website, said: "These are ongoing accusations, and Mr Nawrocki does not deny his acquaintance [with Masiak]." And adding fuel to the fire, local news site Onet published an investigation that accused Nawrocki of leading a double life and working as a pimp while working as a security guard at the Grand Hotel near Gdansk. He denied the report and said he would sue Onet - but instead of using a 24-hour judicial process designed for fast rebuttal in elections, Nawrocki has chosen a standard libel case which could take years to reach a conclusion. Nawrocki also reportedly obtained a flat from a disabled, elderly man in exchange for a promise that he would receive care for the rest of his life. But the original flat owner was actually discovered to be living in a state care home with no assistance from the Polish president-elect. Red-faced Nawrocki has since offered to donate the flat to charity. PiS have dismissed negative press on Nawrocki as being political smears or "mistakes of youth" that require forgiveness.
The Irish Sun
02-06-2025
- Politics
- The Irish Sun
How hooligan prez Nawrocki puts Poland on EU collision course, gives Trump key ally & has torpedoed arch-eurocrat Tusk
KAROL Nawrocki has been elected as Poland's new president in a gargantuan blow to the reform agenda of the country's pro-EU government. The 9 Marta Nawrocka and supported by Law and Justice party candidate for the President of Poland Karol Nawrocki during the election Credit: Getty 9 President Donald Trump (R) meets with and poses for a photo with Polish presidential candidate Karol Nawrocki in the Oval Office in May Credit: White House 9 Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk attends a special meeting at Maritime Operations Centre in Gdynia, northern Poland Credit: EPA With support from the nationalist-conservative Law and Justice Party (PiS), Nawrocki beat Warsaw's liberal mayor Rafal Trzaskowski by a small majority. EU chaos Nawrocki's narrow victory has shown a clear comeback for PiS after it lost parliamentary elections in October 2023 - but represents a catastrophic loss for the center-right coalition led by former European Council president Donald Tusk. Under previous rule of the PiS, relations between Brussels and Warsaw became increasingly hostile over a suppression on human rights alongside a lapse on the rule of law. This met its boiling point, leading to the suspension of EU funds for Poland. read more news Tusk then attempted to restore relations when his government took power in 2023, but the past president from PiS Andrzej Duda got in the way, using his veto power as a weapon. But it's thought Nawrocki - an outspoken euroskeptic - will continue Duda's efforts in fighting against EU federalist proclivity. Adam Leszczyński, director of the Gabriel Narutowicz Institute of Political Thought, said: "[Nawrocki] will be much worse for Tusk than Duda. "He is much more extreme in his views and he is coming into this presidency with a lot of resentment, after really getting a very personal beating from Tusk and his allies during the campaign." Most read in The US Sun When dealing with EU affairs, it's though Nawrocki will not shy away from confrontation and go fourth in criticising the European Commission. Centrist European leaders were forced to congratulate Nawrocki on his win. Anti-EU hooligan 'pimp' wins Poland presidential election in knife-edge vote European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has urged the victorious Pole to "work to ensure the security and prosperity of our common home [the EU]." Poland's own MAGA movement The Polish vote also represents a victory for the Maga movement abroad. It comes after other right-wing politicians almost imitating US President Donald Trump were defeated in elections around the world, like Canada. Despite Nawrocki only meeting Trump briefly in the run-up to the election, some of the Republican's top officials were sent to Poland for a Conservative Political Action Conference just last week. There, US homeland security secretary Kristi Noem was clear in his support for him, urging Poles to "elect the right leader". And if Noem's endorsement wasn't clear enough, she described Nawrocki's election rival Trzaskowski as an "absolute train wreck". A political historian at George Washington University said that the Polish result shows that "the far-right, anti-EU, pro-Trump forces are stickier and more entrenched than many observers assumed." Nawrocki will now join the likes of Hungary's Viktor Orban - Europe's longest-serving prime minister - who, like him, is a Trump ally and wanting re-election next year. 9 Karol Nawrocki has won Poland's presidential election by a narrow margin Credit: Getty 9 The politician is also an amateur boxer 9 Karol Nawrocki gestures as he arrives with his family to cast his ballot at a polling station Credit: Getty Ukraine questions Unlike other eurosceptics in central Europe like Orban, Nawrocki supports giving military aid to help Ukraine in the bloody war with Russia. But he also revealed prior to his win that he will oppose membership in Western alliances for Ukraine. This view aligns with the falling support among Poles for Ukrainians, with the country having hosted more than a million refugees from across the border. Nawrocki's critics said he was fuelling unease over Ukrainian refugees at a time when the far-right is highlighting migration, the cost of living and security. He cited his campaign slogan, Poland First. "Let's help others, but let's take care of our own citizens first," he said on social media in April. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shared his hope that the two nations would continue their close partnership. He wrote in a post on X: "By reinforcing one another on our continent, we give greater strength to Europe in global competition and bring the achievement of real and lasting peace closer. "I look forward to continued fruitful cooperation with Poland and with President Nawrocki personally." Nawrocki's turbulent past A mere six months ago, Nawrocki was a fairly unknown name in the political world. But in the run up to the election, the historian posted videos of himself at shooting ranges and boxing rings - cultivating a tough-guy image for voters. The past two weeks have seen Nawrocki vehemently denying claims he has contacts in the criminal underworld - and that he got prostitutes to pretend to be guests at a luxury hotel. But his campaign team were forced to admit that the new Polish leader did in fact engage in a bare-knuckle mass brawl between rival football hooligans in 2009. Nawrocki is said to have had such huge loyalty to Chelsea football club he once had its logo tattooed on his chest, but was also a rabid supporter of local team Lechia Gdansk. Its thuggish fans call themselves the "hooligans of the Free City". 9 Patryk Masiak with Karol Nawrocki Credit: Social Media 9 Karol Nawrocki kisses his wife Marta Nawrocka 9 Marta Nawrocka and President of Poland Karol Nawrocki during the election Credit: Getty The amateur boxer told a debate when confronted over the brawl reports: "All my sports activities were based on the strength of my heart, the strength of my muscles, my fists. "It was a fair competition, regardless of the form." Despite Nawrocki clarifying that he didn't regret his actions, and even calling it an act of "noble combat," fears loomed among supporters that the confession would cost him the election - but he was able to secure the win. In another questionable act for a politician, last year Nawrocki was pictured with fellow Lechia supporter Patryck Masiak who has been to prison for abducting a woman. MMA fighter Masiak is also facing additional court proceedings for participation in an organise crime group and pimping. Szymon Jadczak, an investigative writer for the Wirtualna Polska news website, said: "These are ongoing accusations, and Mr Nawrocki does not deny his acquaintance [with Masiak]." And adding fuel to the fire, local news site Onet published an investigation that accused Nawrocki of leading a double life and working as a pimp while working as a security guard at the Grand Hotel near Gdansk. He denied the report and said he would sue Onet - but instead of using a 24-hour judicial process designed for fast rebuttal in elections, Nawrocki has chosen a standard libel case which could take years to reach a conclusion. Nawrocki also reportedly obtained a flat from a disabled, elderly man in exchange for a promise that he would receive care for the rest of his life. But the original flat owner was actually discovered to be living in a state care home with no assistance from the Polish president-elect. Red-faced Nawrocki has since offered to donate the flat to charity . PiS have dismissed negative press on Nawrocki as being political smears or "mistakes of youth" that require forgiveness. Who is Karol Nawrocki? POLAND has elected Karol Nawrocki, a conservative historian and staunch nationalist, as its next president in a closely watched vote that signals a resurgence of right-wing populism in the heart of Europe. Nawrocki's victory underscores the enduring appeal of nationalist rhetoric among about half of the country. The 42-year-old historian who had no previous political experience built his campaign on patriotic themes, traditional Catholic values, and a vow to defend Poland's sovereignty against the EU and larger European nations like Germany. His win also reflects the appeal of right-wing nationalism across Europe, where concerns about migration, national sovereignty, and cultural identity have led to surging support for right-wing parties. Far-right candidates succeeded in Poland's first round of voting two weeks prior, underlining the appeal of the nationalist and conservative views - with Nawrocki picking up many of those votes. Although the electoral turnout was highest ever in history of presidential elections, Mr Nawrocki's margin of victory is very small.
