Latest news with #Catherine Connolly
Irish Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Irish Times
Labour must decide if messy break-up with Catherine Connolly is salient factor in presidential backing
Just under a decade ago, Catherine Connolly diagnosed the Labour Party had 'lost its soul'. This afternoon, the Independent TD for Galway West - who was a Labour councillor and Dáil aspirant for the party before decamping in 2006 - will go searching for its votes to formally back her for the presidential election race. A meeting is set between Connolly and the 13 Oireachtas members of the Parliamentary Labour Party for 4.30pm today. Connolly, having secured the backing of the Social Democrats , People Before Profit and several Independent members, has the wind at her back and seems almost certain to secure the 20 required votes regardless of whether Labour backs her. In some ways, it's a more consequential decision for Labour than it is for Connolly. It must decide if the messy break-up between the party and Connolly is still a salient factor. She left the party having failed to get on the ticket as a running mate for Michael D Higgins in the 2007 general election. As an Independent TD, she was a forthright critic of Labour in government. However, some party grandees who served in cabinet and were on the receiving end of those criticisms are sanguine about her potential endorsement by the party. 'On balance,' says one, speaking privately, 'I think bygones be bygones'. This mirrors the views of some within the current parliamentary party, who like her politics and her pugnacious, sincere style, while harbouring some concerns. One TD says her history with Labour is 'not relevant' to their consideration of her candidacy: 'The past is just that'. [ Who is Catherine Connolly? The outspoken left-wing campaigner running for president Opens in new window ] A second former senior figure in the Labour Party says they are undecided, while simultaneously saying they would have no principled objection to Connolly based on her history with Labour. But they outline their view that the forthright Galway native can be 'quite difficult to work with', adding knowingly that people who favour her within Labour may not have had much to do with her in the past. There are also those who want to know more about what her platform is - and what precisely is the nature of support that will be sought. Will it just be Oireachtas votes and rhetorical endorsements, or will manpower and money also be sought? Openness should not be confused for a headlong enthusiasm for backing Connolly, from past or present members of the parliamentary party - and she will have her work cut out to win over some current TDs. Some are of the view that Tipperary North's Alan Kelly will take particular convincing. But what she does have going for her is an alignment of political circumstances that leaves Labour open to endorsement, rather than fielding its own candidate. The party views itself as having changed the nature of the presidency with Mary Robinson, and as having some political custody of the office given Higgins's enduring popularity across his two terms. Sitting out the presidential campaign entirely would be unpalatable - but it also knows that Connolly's emergence as a left wing front-runner will soak up Oireachtas votes that could go to an alternative candidate, even one given a significant bump by 13 Labour votes. A second left candidate could also split the vote, while Connolly is seen as someone who may be well positioned to surf the political zeitgeist in the autumn. By this stage, muses one grandee, the evenings will be longer, the weather worse, and an unpopular Government will be closing in on a budget with none of the baubles that voters have become used to. In those circumstances, many may use the chance to back an anti-establishment candidate so the Government parties feel their displeasure in what is ultimately a second order election.
Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Times
Who is Catherine Connolly and could she be Ireland's next president?
It should not have come as a surprise to President Higgins when his former party colleague announced her intentions to replace him in Aras an Uachtarain. Although the Galway West politicians never engaged in public spats, Catherine Connolly's refusal to comply with Labour's 'yes' position during the Nice Treaty referendum of 2002 created an awkward split between the pair. The outspoken critic and councillor of just three years was regarded as the heir apparent to Higgins, who was then one of Labour's most formidable forces. But she did not let her personal views get in the way of their relationship, which was evident in how Connolly reacted when her party snubbed the veteran politician and poet for the presidential nomination in 2004. 'I am not surprised but I am very, very disappointed,' she said at the time. 'I would be absolutely 100 per cent behind him [Higgins]. He would be a great candidate and would show great vision and leadership.' Their core left-wing principles remained largely the same, particularly when it came to opposing the war in Iraq. Connolly joined thousands of protesters in June 2004 against the use of Shannon airport as a transit stop for US troops. However, her patience with the Labour Party ran out when Higgins was put forward as their only candidate in Galway West at the 2007 general election. Growing up with 13 siblings, Connolly must have always had to fight for space, and concluded where there is room for one, there is always room for another. Pat Rabbitte, the Labour leader at the time, obviously did not share the same sentiment and ignored Connolly's signals that she would run as an independent if she were not selected. She stayed true to word and left the party, as did her sister Colette, who was a councillor in Galway West for 18 years. Born in 1957, Connolly grew up in the working-class area of Fursey Road, Shantalla, in Galway city. In 1970, the housing estate gained national attention when numerous residents targeted the home of a Traveller woman, Annie Furey, who was awarded the property by Galway Corporation. Connolly's eldest brother attended University College, Galway with Higgins. Her father was a skilled plasterer, while her grandfather from the Claddagh worked as a skipper. She has lived in the Claddagh with her husband, Brian McEnery, since the late 1980s and they have two adult sons together. In her time as a local representative, the barrister and clinical psychiatrist campaigned on local issues, particularly on the need for additional social homes. However, she did not escape a number of minor controversies. In May 2005, a 'blazing row' erupted in the chambers of Galway city council after Connolly, then mayor, claimed she was snubbed by the local soccer club Galway Hibernians. She took offence when Frank Fahey, a junior minister, was invited to turn the sod on the club's new all-weather pitch instead of her. However, councillor Michael Crowe told the chamber that the mayor had received two telephone calls of apology from the committee, acknowledging an error was made. He accused Connolly of rebuffing both apologies and being highly insulting to the people on the phone. • Irish presidential election candidates 2025 — who is up for it? 'As far as I am concerned, you would not treat a dog the way you treated those people last week … You made a holy disgrace of yourself,' Crowe said. He claimed that not only had Connolly refused to attend the function because she was not the 'star of the show', but she had stopped other councillors from going. Fellow councillor Declan McDonnell even went as far as accusing her of running a dictatorship when she refused to allow Crowe to make a statement. In her response, Connolly said she was appalled at Crowe's personal attack on her, along with his use of language. 'It's not about a club or a mayor being snubbed, it's about respect for the mayor's office,' she said. 'I think I am one of the most informal mayors to date and I rarely stand on protocol.' The council's €1,000-a-week spend on Connolly's transport needs as mayor was also a source of contention. Padraig Conneely, a local election candidate, revealed that a limo company had been paid €650 to drive Connolly to see Galway play Cork in the 2005 All-Ireland hurling final. Connolly said at the time that the only alternative transport was a taxi, which would have incurred further costs on the council. Although a popular figure, Connolly failed to gain one of the five seats up for grabs in Galway West during the 2007 general election. In 2011, she was described as the designated successor to Higgins, who had already voiced his intentions to run in the presidential election of 2011, but lost out by just 17 votes to Fine Gael's Seán Kyne. That result was made even more personally difficult for Connolly as her stepmother, Bridget, died during the count. Her father, Coleman, had died less than a year before, while her biological mother, Annie, died in 1965. When Connolly finally won a seat — on the 14th count — in 2016, her grievances against her former party were not forgotten, as she claimed Labour had 'lost its soul'. However, despite their chequered history, the party has invited Connolly to address its members next week as part of the presidential nominations process. Her priorities upon entering the Dail were health, the housing crisis, transport and repealing the eighth amendment. But in 2018, Connolly faced criticism after she travelled to Syria for a week with the independent TDs Mick Wallace, Clare Daly and Maureen O'Sullivan, alongside others involved in the Ireland Palestine Solidarity campaign. She is likely to be questioned about the trip in future debates as it took place when the dictator Bashar al-Assad, an ally of President Putin, was in power. However, after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Connolly called Putin a dictator 'with no respect for democracy'. Any state visits by President Trump may be an uncomfortable experience for all if the outspoken Gaeilgeoir proves victorious in November. 'If we have learnt anything it is … that there are countries we certainly cannot trust,' she said in February. 'America is one of those and England and France are others. What is behind their motivation is simply an arms industry, more war, ongoing war, normalising war and making huge profits. That needs to be called out over and over. 'The government is now using what Russia has done, while not calling out America. In the speech today Trump was called our friend, Trump who has trampled on international law, supporting Israel trampling on international law and reducing Gaza to nothing.' On the divisive issue of immigration, Connolly has long stood for upholding the rights of asylum seekers. She argued in the Dail last year that direct provision 'does not work', adding: 'It isolates people, creates a stigma and is inhuman … There are any number of reports and judgments telling us that this system is just wrong.' Calls to the independent TD went unanswered but last week, while speaking to Galway City Tribune, Connolly said: 'Yes, my mind is made up to run. I've support from across the spectrum, including the Social Democrats, People Before Profit and Solidarity, as well as a number of senators and others. Labour and Sinn Fein are still completing their own internal processes, which I fully respect. I'll be formally launching my campaign next week.' People Before Profit's steering committee officially agreed to endorse Connolly's presidential bid yesterday. 'Catherine Connolly is a popular, principled figure on the left and we are pleased that she has put herself forward as a candidate,' Paul Murphy, the PBP TD, said. 'It's very important to have a voice to succeed Michael D Higgins in Aras an Uachtarain who continues to advocate for an equal and inclusive society.' Earlier, the Social Democrats confirmed their backing for her, stating: 'Catherine has been a tireless advocate for progressive causes and we believe she would make an excellent president.'
Irish Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Times
Catherine Connolly gathers support for Áras run
Independent TD Catherine Connolly is on course to secure the backing of enough TDs and Senators to formally enter the presidential election race, even if the Labour Party does not offer its support. The Galway West TD needs 20 Oireachtas members to get on the ballot paper and is likely to meet that threshold in the coming days. She has been invited to address Labour's parliamentary party next week as she prepares her bid for Áras an Uachtaráin. There are signs of division within Labour over whether or not it should support Ms Connolly, a former member who fell out with the party almost two decades ago. READ MORE [ The presidential race is (finally) hotting up as one serious contender throws her hat in ring Opens in new window ] While Labour leader Ivana Bacik is said to be well-disposed to Ms Connolly's candidacy, others in the party are unenthusiastic. One source said some members would vote for 'anyone else but her'. However, Ms Connolly is within touching distance of meeting the nomination threshold even without Labour. The Irish Times has counted as many as 18 supporters in the Oireachtas already. She has the confirmed support of at least 16 TDs and Senators. That includes the Social Democrats ' ten TDs and one Senator. Acting party leader Cian O'Callaghan said he was 'delighted' Ms Connolly was running for president. Dublin Bay South TD Eoin Hayes, suspended from the Social Democrats, also confirmed he will back Ms Connolly. On Friday, Donegal TD Charles Ward of the 100 per cent Redress Party and Tipperary South Independent Seamus Healy told The Irish Times they would support her as did Independent Senator Eileen Flynn. Mr Ward said he believed she would be a 'true independent voice for Ireland' while Mr Healy said she would be an 'excellent candidate' and looked forward to campaigning for her. Ms Flynn said she was hoping to sign Ms Connolly's papers describing her as an 'absolute powerhouse'. During the week former Sinn Féin TD Brian Stanley – an independent deputy for Laois – also backed Ms Connolly. People Before Profit's steering committee was last night expected to recommend that its two TDs, Richard Boyd Barrett and Paul Murphy, would support Ms Connolly before a final decision by the wider party later on. Other left-wing politicians such as Independent Senator Lynn Ruane and Solidarity TD Ruth Coppinger are yet to make a decision on nomination. Ms Coppinger said her party had not yet discussed the presidential election. Green leader Roderic O'Gorman said his party has not been formally approached about Ms Connolly's presidential bid but said 'we are open to discussions and would consider any approach seriously'. A former Leas-Cheann Comhairle, Ms Connolly left the Labour Party in 2006 when it denied her a chance to run in the 2007 general election as then-TD Michael D Higgins' running mate. The election to succeed Mr Higgins as president is set to take place in late October or early November. A left-wing TD and barrister, Ms Connolly is an ally of former MEPs Clare Daly and Mick Wallace and has been outspoken on issues including Ireland's neutrality, women's rights and the war in Gaza. She told the Galway City Tribune she will formally launch her election campaign next week. 'My mind is made up to run,' she said, citing 'support from across the spectrum' while adding 'Labour and Sinn Féin are still completing their own internal processes which I fully respect'. Fine Gael has opened its nominations process with former European commissioner Mairead McGuinness widely tipped to enter the race. Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin are still deliberating on their approach.
Irish Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Times
The presidential race is (finally) hotting up as one serious contender throws her hat in ring
Story of the Week This year's race for the keys to Áras an Uachtaráin has really ramped up in recent days. There is fevered speculation on who will run and one serious contender – Catherine Connolly – has announced she will formally launch her bid next week. There was surprise at the start of the week when Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald – who had previously said she would not be her party's candidate - refused to rule herself when quizzed about it again by reporters. However, Sinn Féin is still deliberating on its approach to the presidential election and whether it will put its own candidate forward or support someone from outside the party, perhaps joining with other left-wing parties to do so. READ MORE Ms McDonald said it will probably be the end of July and into August when Sinn Féin will have 'a clearer picture of what we are doing'. Fine Gael meanwhile, has opened its nominations process. One of the party's MEP's, Seán Kelly – who had been mulling over a presidential bid - confirmed later that he will not seek his party's nomination. He said it was a crucial time for European politics and he wanted to influence affairs in Brussels on behalf of Ireland. The move leaves former European commissioner Mairead McGuinness as the only widely tipped potential candidate from the party to contest the election to succeed President Michael D Higgins , which is likely to take place in late October or early November. While Fine Gael fielding a candidate - for an office the party has never held – seems nailed on, things are much less certain with Fianna Fáil. The party has been sounding out potential candidates for the presidency, but the party will not necessarily nominate anyone, Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said. On Friday, the Galway City Tribune, reported that Ms Connolly intends to launch her presidential campaign next week. The Galway West TD believes she has enough support in the Oireachtas to get on the ballot paper for the election due to take place in October or early November. Ms Connolly said: 'Yes, my mind is made up to run. 'I've support from across the spectrum, including the Social Democrats, People Before Profit and Solidarity, as well as a number of senators and others. Labour and Sinn Féin are still completing their own internal processes which I fully respect.' Candidates need the signatures of 20 Oireachtas members or the backing of four councils to get on the ballot paper. Connolly is the first established politician with a clear path to getting on the ballot paper to throw their hat in the ring. Expect the presidential race to hot up in the days and weeks ahead. Bust-up The trade dispute that has rumbled on since US President Donald Trump announced his 'Liberation Tariffs' escalated for some countries this week even as there are hopes there could be a deal in the offing with the European Union. For instance, Trump plans to slap 50 per cent tariffs on Brazillian imports partly in retaliation for what he sees as a 'witch hunt' against his political ally, former president Jair Bolsonaro , who is facing trial for attempting a coup. The US president is also now threatening 25 per cent tariffs on Japan and South Korea . Cliff Taylor has written a Q&A on what it might all mean for Ireland whose trade relationship with the US comes under the remit of the wider EU. There was a belief as the week went on that the EU and US are on the brink of a deal that would stop the transatlantic dispute becoming a full blown trade war. However, diplomatic sources have warned that Mr Trump could decide to reopen large aspects of the negotiations unexpectedly. And there is concern about the possibility Mr Trump could introduce separate tariffs on pharmaceutical products – a big Irish export to the US - at a later date. There could be some way to go in the row yet. That's all very well but does any of this affect me? The budget may be three months away yet but one thing senior Government figures have made very clear is that it will not be a giveaway of the kind we may have become accustomed to in recent years. The so-called once-off measures like electricity bill credits are highly unlikely to feature and as Political Editor Pat Leahy reported this week budget Ministers Jack Chambers and Paschal Donohoe are said to be resisting pressure from colleagues for major spending increases on capital and current budgets. Much hinges on whether or not there is a trade deal between the EU and US but regardless of that there is a move on within Government to lower expectations ahead of budget day. Tax cuts and social welfare increases have not been ruled out but the message to the public has been clear for months – the largesse of recent budgets will not be repeated. Banana Skin The proposed Occupied Territories Bill to ban the import of goods into Ireland from illegal Israeli settlements on Palestinian land has the potential to be very tricky indeed. While the amount of trade is minimal, there is a view that passing the legislation would send out a strong message that Ireland does not support how Israel is treating the Palestinian people in the West Bank nor the horror of what his happening in Gaza. While the Opposition argues the Government Bill does not go far enough – they want a ban on services too – it remains the case that it would be the first law of its kind in the EU. However, introducing it has its risks and implementing its measures may not be straightforward. As Leahy reported on Thursday US legal experts have warned that the Bill would pose 'serious risks' to American companies operating in Ireland because US laws prohibit compliance with such legislation. Harry McGee separately reports on practical issues that could arise if the law is implemented and how the Oireachtas Foreign Affairs Committee has heard that goods from the illegal settlements could still legally enter the State if they were first imported to another EU country. The debate on the proposed Bill will continue at that committee. Meanwhile, Ellen Coyne has been reporting this week on how there have problems that has arisen with some tangible support Ireland has committed to giving to Palestinian children. She revealed that seriously ill children who have already been selected for medical evacuation from Gaza are not expected to be flown out of the Middle East until September. Concerns that these children could be killed in the ongoing war before they are evacuated were raised in the Dáil. Winners and Losers European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is a divisive figure – not least due to her stance on the war in Gaza – but she survived a motion of no confidence brought by far-right MEPs in the European Parliament over the pandemic-era 'Pfizergate' controversy. She was a winner of sorts then, though as our Europe Correspondent Jack Power writes many MEPs from the centre and centre-left groupings were giving Von der Leyen a dig-out through gritted teeth. This week's losers are whoever put an effigy of migrants in a boat on top of a loyalist bonfire in Moygashel, Co Tyrone. The Police Service of Northern Ireland are investigating it as a 'hate incident'. The Big Read Left-wing presidential hopeful Catherine Connolly will be profiled in Saturday's paper. Hear Here Could Mary Lou McDonald be about to enter the presidential race? Ellen Coyne and Harry McGee join Pat Leahy to look back on the week in politics: Could Mary Lou McDonald be about to enter the presidential race? Listen | 41:13
Irish Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Times
Could Mary Lou McDonald be about to enter the presidential race?
Ellen Coyne and Harry McGee join Pat Leahy to look back on the week in politics: When Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald was asked on Monday if she was ruling herself out of this year's contest to succeed Michael D Higgins , she replied, 'we're not ruling anything in or anything out.' But could a tilt at the presidency be a potential career-ender for Mary Lou? Elsewhere, those ruling themselves firmly in include Galway West Independent TD Catherine Connolly , who says she plans to launch her presidential election bid next week. The veteran Donegal TD Pat the Cope Gallagher says he is considering seeking Fianna Fáil nomination to run, but Fine Gael's Seán Kelly has ruled himself out, with Mairead McGuinness now widely expected to seek Áras election. The Occupied Territories Bill is now undergoing pre-legislative scrutiny. The big question remains whether the proposed bill will include services along with the prohibition of trade in goods with Israeli companies operating in the illegally occupied Palestinian territories. Plus, the panel picks their favourite Irish Times pieces of the week: The throwaway lyrics of Oasis , the social cohesion of the July 12th bonfires , and when crying in public is the natural thing to do.
