Catherine Connolly Secures Nominations for Ireland’s Presidency

Independent Galway West TD Catherine Connolly has officially announced her candidacy for the Presidency of Ireland following the acquisition of necessary nominations. Connolly, aged 68, confirmed her intention to run during an interview on July 16, 2024, via RTÉ’s Irish language radio channel, Raidió na Gaeltachta. To be eligible for the ballot, candidates in Ireland must be at least 35 years old and nominated either by at least 20 members of the Oireachtas, four local authorities, or by former or retiring Presidents.

Connolly has garnered the support of 20 Oireachtas members, including endorsements from the Social Democrats, People Before Profit, and several Independents. The Labour Party is also considering backing her candidacy.

“I am honoured to announce that I have secured the support of my colleagues to run for the office of Uachtarán na hÉireann, the Presidency of Ireland,” Connolly stated on social media. She highlighted the importance of the election as a platform for representing the people’s voice and promoting the common good. Connolly emphasized the need for a “people’s movement” to effectively communicate her vision of hope across all communities in Ireland.

Connolly has represented Galway West as a TD since 2016. After departing from the Labour Party in 2006, she has operated as an Independent. Her prior roles include serving on the Public Accounts Committee and chairing the Committee on the Irish Language, the Gaeltacht and the Islands. Notably, from 2020 to 2024, Connolly held the position of Leas-Cheann Comhairle, becoming the first woman to do so.

“It’s an important day for me, and I am finally confirming that I am standing for the Presidency of Ireland,” Connolly remarked to reporters outside Leinster House. “I stand here, not as a politician seeking office, but as a citizen, to serve as the President of Ireland with the help of the people and the votes of Ireland.” She expressed her commitment to serving with humility and hope, believing in the potential for collective action to elevate the country.

Connolly acknowledged the lengthy decision-making process leading to her candidacy. “It wasn’t something I did overnight,” she explained. “It was a tortuous decision for many reasons—my own personality included—and it has taken many months.” She reached her final decision the previous week and is now eager to empower citizens to find their voices and advocate for change.

During her announcement, Connolly addressed pressing issues such as climate change and homelessness, stating, “We must deal with climate change. We must be a voice for peace. We have to stop the normalization of war and violence.” She underscored that these challenges are not inevitable but rather the result of policy decisions, advocating for a different vision of Ireland and the world.

Connolly’s confirmation as a candidate follows closely after the nomination of Mairead McGuinness as the candidate for Fine Gael. McGuinness was the only name submitted for ratification, which will take place at a Fine Gael event in September, marking the start of their Presidential campaign.

The political landscape remains dynamic, with Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald not ruling herself out as a potential candidate. Similarly, Michelle O’Neill, Sinn Féin’s Vice President and First Minister of Northern Ireland, has also left the door open for candidacy.

Meanwhile, Fianna Fáil, currently the largest party in the Dáil, has yet to announce whether it will support a candidate. Jack Chambers, a TD for Fianna Fáil, indicated that a decision will be made in early autumn. Potential candidates mentioned include Micheál Martin, the current Taoiseach and leader of Fianna Fáil, although Chambers noted that Martin may prefer to remain in his current role. Former TD Mary Hanafin has also expressed interest in the party’s nomination.

In a somewhat unconventional development, mixed martial artist Conor McGregor has renewed his call for supporters to vote for him in the Presidential election, though it remains unlikely that he will meet the nomination thresholds required to appear on the ballot.

As the election period unfolds, Connolly’s campaign will be closely watched as she seeks to mobilize support and present her vision for Ireland’s future.