With only days until Ireland’s fiasco presidential election there are growing fears that the lacklustre campaign of two mediocre and unpopular candidates and the peoples anger with the interference which restricted the field of candidates will prompt a large number of people to spoil their vote or boycott the ballot.
The recent Irish presidential election nominations sparked a huge backlash and smouldering anger due to perceived political interference by the government and major parties in the nomination process, which the Irish people see as limiting genuine democratic choice.
Background of the Backlash
A whistleblower warned Leo Varadkar that the Irish Aviation Authority broke hiring rules in their appointment of Jim Gavin who has opted out of the presidential election due to his failure to repay overpaid rent by a tenant who happened to be a reporter with the Sunday World. Holier than thou far left secular
Saint Catherine Connolly when acting in her capacity as a barrister played the role of a Rottweiler for the banks in their eviction of Irish people from their homes. She is also a globalist who wants the country filled with the fake migrants. Imagine her as president? RTE and the rest of the lame stream media are backing her to the hilt as part of the woke agenda.
Humphreys the FG Candidate
Heather Humphreys the FG candidate is polling badly due to the electorates anger with the government. The fact that she championed the failed referendum which tried to take mothers and women out of the Irish constitution is another stain on her attempt to become president. Neither of the two female candidates can tell you what a woman is or how many genders there are.
Maria Steen and Others Blocked
Maria Steen, a conservative candidate, narrowly missed the required 20 nominations from TDs and Senators, falling short despite last-minute efforts. Her supporters claim that Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, and other established parties effectively “pulled up the ladder” to block her candidacy and prevent a challenge to mainstream government-backed nominees.
The Usual Suspects
The major government parties or the uniparty, fielded candidates from within their ranks or political circles, while opposition parties (including Sinn Féin) endorsed a far left so-called independent candidate, Catherine Connolly.
This consolidation among the dominant parties and key independents was seen as an orchestrated and undemocratic stunt to prevent the entry of outsiders and perceived non-establishment contenders, intensifying criticism about political gerrymandering and gatekeeping.
Public and Political Reaction
Critics argue that the nomination system, controlled by a relatively small group of elected officials, enables the political establishment to control who can stand, undermining democratic openness and voter choice.
The political interference perceived in the Irish presidential nomination process—where dominant parties influence, interfere with or limit which candidates receive nominations—is legal under the current Irish constitutional and electoral framework.
Legal Framework on Presidential Nominations in Ireland
Current Law Deficit: While the political orchestration of nominations may raise ethical and democratic concerns, it does not violate current laws governing presidential elections in Ireland. The system legally empowers elected representatives to effectively shape candidate access, reflecting the constitutional balance as it stands.
The political interference perceived in the Irish presidential nomination process—where dominant parties influence or limit which candidates receive nominations—is legal under the current Irish constitutional and electoral framework. When party leaders instruct their members in the Oireachtas not to vote for candidates outside the party’s preferred nominee in the presidential nomination process, it can certainly be seen as political interference in the democratic selection of candidates. However, within the context of party politics and the current Irish constitutional system, this practice is legal and a common feature of parliamentary democracy.
Potential for Reform
Critics argue the system concentrates nomination power within the political elite and restricts wider democratic participation. Proposals for nomination reform have been discussed but not enacted.
Democratic Legitimacy: While it limits individual members’ freedom to support alternative candidates, party discipline is viewed as essential for functional governance and political strategy. It is not considered illegal interference but rather part of the political process.
A Fiasco of a Presidential Election
With only days until Ireland’s fiasco presidential election there are growing fears that the lacklustre campaign of two mediocre at best, unpopular candidates and the peoples anger with the interference which restricted the field of candidates will prompt a large number of people to spoil their vote or boycott the ballot. Almost half of voters say they do not feel represented by either candidate, fuelling concern or a very low turnout and high rate of spoilt ballots on Friday 24 October.
“The campaign has been disappointing in the lack of intellectual oomph and ambition. It hasn’t inspired voters. Neither candidate has really identified a particular theme. Of the big ticket items in Irish society – for instance housing, race, climate change, unification – they have had very little interesting things to say.” said Prof Kevin Rafter, a political scientist and the co-author of The Irish Presidency: Power, Ceremony and Politics.
“This campaign is increasingly becoming a referendum on the incumbent government,” said Prof Gail McElroy, a political scientist at Trinity College Dublin. “It’s common in European and local elections – people use them as an opportunity for a protest vote.”