Senior Labour TD Alan Kelly has announced he voted against his party’s endorsement of Independent TD Catherine Connolly for the presidency and will not support her in the upcoming election.
Kelly cites Connolly’s views on foreign affairs and past support for O’Doherty
Labour TD Alan Kelly will not back Catherine Connolly, citing concerns over her foreign policy views and past presidential nomination choices.
- Alan Kelly voted against Labour’s endorsement of Catherine Connolly.
- Kelly is concerned about Connolly’s views on Syria, Russia, the EU, the US, and France.
- He also cited her association with Mick Wallace and past support for Gemma O’Doherty.
- A Labour spokesperson confirmed the party’s endorsement of Connolly.
- Fianna Fáil is considering fielding a presidential candidate, with Jim Gavin mentioned as a possibility.
Alan Kelly will not support Catherine Connolly for president. Kelly stated that a significant number of Labour members share his reservations. He expressed particular unease regarding Connolly’s positions on international affairs, specifically mentioning Syria, Russia, and her past statements of shame regarding the European Union. Comments made in relation to the United States and France also contributed to his decision.
Kelly also pointed to Connolly’s “association with the likes of Mick Wallace,” who he expects will be supporting her campaign.
Referencing Connolly’s past criticisms of the Labour Party, including an accusation that the party had “lost its soul,” Kelly asserted, “To be honest with you, the manner in which she has treated us, I think, you know, as a party, we have to have a level of self-respect.”
He highlighted another “fundamental issue” as the primary reason for his opposition. “Seven years ago, Catherine Connolly believed that supporting Gemma O’Doherty, and nominating her, was a better option than supporting Michael D Higgins,” Kelly explained.
Kelly praised President Michael D. Higgins, calling him “an exceptional President, an incredible human being, a very brave person.” He concluded, “I don’t think it’s possible for many people in the Labour Party, in all conscience and with self-respect, to support a presidential candidate who, seven years ago, thought of backing Gemma O’Doherty.”
A Labour spokesperson commented on the party’s decision: “At the end of July, after an extensive consultation with party members, the Parliamentary Labour Party and Executive Board democratically decided to endorse the Catherine Connolly campaign for president, as recommended by the majority of members.”
Fianna Fáil eyes presidential run with Jim Gavin as potential candidate
Meanwhile, a senior Fianna Fáil minister suggested that former Dublin football manager Jim Gavin would be a strong contender for the presidency.
Minister for Further and Higher Education James Lawless indicated that any prospective Fianna Fáil candidate must embody values such as pro-Europeanism, community cohesion, and social justice.
“In terms of Jim Gavin, as with many others, there are a number of names being speculated on – I think he would be a fine candidate; there are other equally fine individuals being suggested, all of whom have merits,” Lawless stated.
Lawless noted that while it’s not confirmed, his party is leaning towards fielding a candidate, describing it as the “direction of travel.”
The Kildare North TD mentioned that the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party would discuss the matter further in the coming weeks. He remained non-committal on whether the party should select an internal candidate or an outsider.
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