Alan Kelly Rejects Connolly’s Presidential Bid Amid Labour Support

URGENT UPDATE: Former Labour leader Alan Kelly has publicly declared he will NOT support Catherine Connolly in her presidential bid, despite the Labour Party’s endorsement. This shocking announcement comes just hours after Labour officially backed Connolly’s campaign, which has garnered mixed reactions within the party.

Kelly’s rejection highlights a significant rift, as only 59% of Labour members voted to support Connolly during a party meeting in July. Speaking to Tipp FM earlier today, Kelly made clear his dissent, stating, “I will not be nominating Catherine Connolly.” His remarks suggest deep divisions within the party as they prepare for the upcoming election.

The endorsement of Connolly, an independent TD for Galway, has been contentious. Connolly has a complicated history with Labour, having left the party in 2007 after they refused to run her alongside Michael D. Higgins in the general election. Since then, she has openly criticized Labour, claiming they “lost their soul” upon her election to the Dáil in 2016.

Kelly’s criticisms extend beyond personal history. He has condemned Connolly’s views on international issues, including her positions regarding Syria and Russia, and her past ties to controversial figures like former Ireland South MEP Mick Wallace. “I’m not sure what Catherine Connolly did to deserve our support,” Kelly emphasized, echoing sentiments shared by other dissenting members.

“I think the party has to have some self-respect. Catherine Connolly has shown disdain for us since 2006,” Kelly stated.

He pointed out that many within the Labour Party, particularly in Tipperary, share his concerns, suggesting a “large cohort” disapproves of Connolly’s nomination. Kelly’s staunch stance comes as he refers to his “old-school Labour” beliefs, emphasizing cooperation on the left but distancing himself from far-left ideologies.

Kelly’s fundamental issue lies with Connolly’s controversial decision to support Gemma O’Doherty‘s presidential bid in 2018. Despite Connolly’s assertion that she does not regret that decision, Kelly believes it undermines her credibility as a candidate capable of representing Labour values. He stated, “I don’t think it’s possible for many people in the Labour Party, with self-respect, to support a presidential candidate who, seven years ago, thought Gemma O’Doherty was worth nominating against Michael D. Higgins.”

As tensions rise within the Labour Party, all eyes are now on Connolly’s campaign and how it will be affected by this internal backlash. The party’s leadership must navigate these divisions as they prepare for a challenging electoral landscape.

What happens next remains unclear, but Kelly’s clear dissent may spark further discussions within Labour about its direction and the candidates it chooses to support. This developing story will continue to affect both Labour’s strategy and the overall dynamics of the upcoming presidential election.