Nick Delehanty Launches Urgent Independent Presidential Bid

BREAKING: Nick Delehanty, a 35-year-old small business owner from Tipperary, has officially launched his independent bid for the presidency of Ireland, creating a buzz across social media platforms. The announcement, made during a vibrant campaign launch event on September 19, 2023, at a virtual golf bar on Dawson Street, Dublin, signals a significant moment in the upcoming elections.

Delehanty, known for his dog daycare center and vocal criticism of Ireland’s international protection system, faces an uphill battle to secure a spot on the ballot. Despite this, he expresses confidence in his grassroots support, stating, “We’ve definitely got proposers and seconders in six to 10 councils,” though he acknowledges that this alone is not a guarantee of success.

The former solicitor’s campaign follows two unsuccessful runs in last year’s local and general elections in Dublin. He believes there is an urgent political crisis in Ireland, stating, “what we are facing is something far bigger, a political crisis.” This sentiment resonates with many voters feeling disillusioned with traditional party politics.

During the launch, delayed due to media attention on fellow candidate Catherine Connolly, Delehanty emphasized the importance of his candidacy, calling it “a huge day for Ireland.” His campaign aims to represent a wave of young people, advocating for change while balancing his responsibilities as a small business owner and family man.

Delehanty’s platform includes controversial views on immigration and the Irish language. He admires Denmark’s stringent asylum policies and criticizes the concept of multiculturalism, aligning with sentiments expressed by UK Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch. He claims this perspective reflects a broader concern about the direction of Ireland’s immigration policies.

In addition to immigration, Delehanty plans to address issues like the Irish language, advocating for a “viral series” to document his journey towards fluency, although he insists that fluency shouldn’t be a prerequisite for the presidency. He also expressed support for a united Ireland but cautioned against reigniting old tensions.

One of the critical issues on his platform is the Occupied Territories Bill, which could make it illegal to import goods from Israeli settlements on Palestinian land. Delehanty acknowledges the good intentions behind the bill but raises concerns about the potential broader implications for other occupied territories worldwide.

He also criticized the current governance structure between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, calling for a reevaluation of their rotating Taoiseach agreement, arguing it does not serve the interests of the Irish people effectively.

As Delehanty embarks on this ambitious journey, he remains realistic. “We might not get on the ballot,” he admits, but adds a hopeful note, stating, “at least this will be the best launch you were ever at.”

With tensions rising and political landscapes shifting, Delehanty’s candidacy could be a pivotal moment in the upcoming election, captivating supporters and skeptics alike. As he rallies support nationwide, all eyes will be on how this independent bid unfolds in the coming weeks.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.