Labour Downplays Rift as Alan Kelly Rejects Connolly’s Candidacy

UPDATE: Tensions within the Labour Party have surfaced as former leader Alan Kelly publicly declared he will not support Catherine Connolly for the party’s presidential nomination. This revelation, made during a radio interview on TippFM yesterday, has stirred discussions among party members about internal divisions.

Kelly’s decisive statement, “I’m not sure what Catherine Connolly did to deserve our support,” has prompted immediate reactions from fellow Labour TDs. While some expressed mild frustration, many are keen to downplay the seriousness of the situation. “It’s Alan being Alan,” said multiple Labour representatives, emphasizing that this is characteristic behavior for Kelly, rather than a sign of an impending crisis within the party.

Despite the uproar, party insiders report that Kelly is unlikely to face any disciplinary actions for his dissent. “The dogs on the street knew how Alan felt about this,” one TD remarked, indicating that Kelly’s sentiments were not a surprise to anyone in the party.

The Labour Party’s decision to support Connolly, alongside the Social Democrats and People Before Profit, was not unanimous, with only 60% of the parliamentary party backing her candidacy. While Kelly’s remarks could be seen as a setback, supporters of Connolly maintain that they do not believe his comments will negatively impact her campaign. “There would be no drama in the Labour Party were it not for Alan,” another TD noted, pointing out that Kelly will likely opt not to nominate anyone rather than support another candidate.

As the situation unfolds, the Labour Party remains focused on maintaining solidarity. “I don’t think Sinn Féin are going to back her,” one TD commented regarding Connolly’s prospects, but insisted that the campaign is still progressing well despite minor setbacks, such as a chaotic press interaction earlier this week.

In a rapidly developing political landscape, the Labour Party is pushing forward, emphasizing collaboration among allied parties. “It is going really well, and there has been real collegiality between the parties,” a Labour representative stated, showcasing their commitment to the campaign despite the internal challenges posed by Kelly’s outspoken views.

As this story continues to develop, Labour members are urging unity and resilience in the face of public dissent. The implications of Kelly’s statements and the party’s response will be closely monitored as they navigate this crucial period leading up to the presidential election.