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Catherine Connolly Advocates for Irish Language in Presidential Bid

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Catherine Connolly, a candidate for the presidency of Ireland, expressed her expectation that any presidential hopeful should be proficient in the Irish language. Speaking at the Electric Picnic festival, Connolly emphasized the importance of discussing contemporary issues in Irish, a sentiment she believes should be a given for all candidates.

Connolly, an Independent TD for Galway, participated in a panel at the An Puball Gaeilge tent during the festival. She stated that she accepted the invitation to speak “immediately,” highlighting her belief that the Irish language is essential for addressing both the country’s beauty and its challenges. Current President Micheál D. Higgins, who is fluent in Irish, has sparked ongoing discussions about the necessity of language proficiency for his successor.

“It’s a living, breathing language and it’s our official language,” Connolly said during her remarks at Electric Picnic. She shared her journey of learning Irish, explaining that while she had some knowledge as a city councillor, she pursued further education to enhance her fluency once elected to the Dáil. Connolly has consistently promoted the use of Irish as a vital means of engaging with the nation’s issues.

Her role as the Cathaoirleach of the Committee on the Irish Language and the Irish-speaking community allows her to gather insights on the challenges faced by speakers. When asked if a presidential candidate should be a Gaeilgeoir, Connolly asserted, “It’s so important, I take it for granted.” She views bilingualism as an advantage, offering a broader perspective on various societal issues, including climate change.

Kneecap and Cultural Impact

Connolly also expressed her admiration for the Irish language rap group Kneecap, acknowledging their courage and inspirational leadership. She noted that despite the controversial themes in their work, including language deemed inappropriate, their ability to resonate with diverse audiences impressed her. “Leaving aside bad language or drugs, the whole film was inspirational,” she remarked, referring to their recent film.

Labour Party Support and Internal Dynamics

Despite recent tensions within the Labour Party, Connolly maintains that the party is firmly behind her campaign. Although Labour TD Alan Kelly has publicly expressed reservations about supporting Connolly, citing her prior support for Gemma O’Doherty’s presidential bid in 2018, Connolly remains optimistic. Labour officially endorsed her candidacy in July, alongside other left-leaning parties such as the Social Democrats and People Before Profit.

Kelly’s concerns stem from the belief that supporting Connolly could conflict with the party’s principles. He stated, “I have to be honest with myself,” emphasizing the need for consistency within the party. Connolly responded to Kelly’s remarks by affirming her gratitude for Labour’s backing, mentioning recent support from key Labour figures in her campaign efforts.

Looking ahead, Connolly expressed hope that Sinn Féin will soon announce its decision regarding a potential candidate for the presidency. She respects each party’s internal processes and emphasized the importance of timely decisions regarding the presidential role, describing it as “extremely important.”

As the political landscape evolves, Connolly’s commitment to the Irish language and her candidacy continues to generate discussions throughout the festival and beyond.

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