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Craicnet

The Presidential Election 2025

391 replies

deeahgwitch · 31/08/2025 09:03

Your thoughts.
i’m in the ABB camp.
I accept he did a great job re The Good Friday Agreement but his government pre the economic crash !!!šŸ™„šŸ„²

OP posts:
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10
MarieDeGournay · 04/09/2025 10:12

I don't know who would be best out of the current selection, but I'm going on 'who would represent the nation well, or at least OK, at home and abroad?' because that's what the job is mostly about.

The Presidency isn't totally removed from politics, I know, but it is above party politics, so somebody with very their own rigid social or political opinions that they'd promote at every opportunity wouldn't be suitable. A good president is a president for all the people, not just for that section of the people who are as opinionated as them.

It's a tricky job, treading a careful line between being carefully diplomatic and being a wet rag, but they're well paid to do that!

Until there is a successful referendum to change it, Irish is the first national language, according to the Constitution the president is sworn to defend. Nobody is saying that they should be able to do in-depth interviews as Gaeilge or anything like that, but they should be able to make prepared speeches etc. in Irish.

Any candidate who has been considering a run for the Ɓras has had ample time to get their Gaeilge up to a functional level, and there are many resources available online etc these days, so no excuse. Having a working ability to start with, and committing to learn more, as Mary McAleese did, would be OK.

But being a fluent Irish speaker is not enough, that wouldn't override the need for openness and diplomacy.

It shouldn't have to be said that a rapist would not be a good person to represent the nation at home or abroad, but yeah, it's that kind of campaign😦

On a funny note, somebody suggested Liam Neeson in 'Taken' mode - if he was president, nobody would even think about messing with usšŸ™‚

Taytocrisps · 04/09/2025 12:00

TaTuirseOrm · 04/09/2025 09:11

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DOI0yKpD_sy/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Will this work? Not so sure Joanna has a clue!

Agree with you about Bob G @Taytocrisps - while I have no doubt he's a great man for rallying the troops, he absolutely does not have the diplomacy that a president needs. We'll be forever subjected to that Live Aid clip... give us your fucking money!
(I'm probably misquoting)

Joanna didn't exactly cover herself in glory in that interview. But that smacks of political inexperience and probably a bit of nervousness. She's used to being asked questions about her area of expertise (the weather) and it must have come as a shock to be quizzed about her politics. She was well out of her comfort zone. I doubt she has attended a course at Carr Communications ("I'm so glad you asked me that question....."). It still doesn't rule her out. She wouldn't be grilled like that in the course of her job if she was elected President. That's the sort of grilling you'd expect as a TD or government Minister. I think she was trying to disassociate herself from party politics (right or left), so as to appeal to those who are disillusioned with politicians and with the main political parties. But she went too far, and she came across as though she has no opinions at all. Which probably isn't the case. She will appeal to those who have no interest in politics and recognize her from the telly.

She would still be a better candidate than Conor McGregor, Bertie Ahern or Bob Geldoff. But would she triumph over weathered politicians like Heather Humphreys, Billy Kelleher or Catherine Connolly? And Sinn FƩin have yet to indicate whether they're running a candidate.

There's been a lot of talk about Jim Gavin. I know he used to manage the Dublin football team. Has he any other background in politics or public life?

PotterHead1985 · 04/09/2025 12:11

Honestly I am all adrift with this election. I havent a bulls notion who to vote for (but I have my mammy in the back of my head, 'you HAVE to use your vote). None of them appeal to me in any way as it stands. And some of them I wouldn't vote for if you'd a gun to me head.

Taytocrisps · 05/09/2025 07:23

Looks like Bertie has pulled out.

Phase42 · 05/09/2025 07:59

It wouldn't have suited Bertie....the job isn't cash in hand.

Abhannmor · 05/09/2025 08:57

Taytocrisps · 05/09/2025 07:23

Looks like Bertie has pulled out.

A nation mourns.

MarieDeGournay · 05/09/2025 09:52

Taytocrisps There's been a lot of talk about Jim Gavin. I know he used to manage the Dublin football team. Has he any other background in politics or public life?
The problem with Gavin is - there goes the Mayo and Kerry votes!
Both his parents are from Clare, but that won't make up for Mayo and KerryšŸ˜„

I've just looked him up on Wiki - he has a very solid non-political background, joined the Air Corps aged 18, rose through the ranks, served with the UN, Irish Aviation Authority etc. He's obviously a very good motivator and 'people-person', and might be more of an approachable hands-on/grass-roots/community kind of president rather than a figurehead in the Park.

As ex-Defence Forces, I'd guess he has at the very least a working knowledge of Irish.

He has probably acquired the skill of diplomatically plamƔsing interviewers from his football days - we respected the opposition and they played well, but the lads really brought it today and in the end that extra desire to achieve was what made the difference on the day..

Hey, I'm better at this than I thought! a new career beckons😁

I'm not saying Gav for Pres or anything, just posting some info about him.

Onehorsetown · 05/09/2025 14:22

I don't know what to make of the candidates so far.
Heather Humphreys has a long history in politics and would probably be good in diplomatic situations.
But, personally, I would be reluctant to vote for her as it might be taken as an endorsement of Fine Gael.
I have completely gone off Catherine Connolly after reading this from Annette McKay,whose mother was a survivor of the Tuam mother and baby home
https://x.com/AnnetteMckay15/status/1962830204226638008?t=p3TzyjJaxnKIX_s-DTuHbw&s=19
Jim Gavin seems okay, but he seems like a very random choice to be nominated.
I don't know much about Billy Kelliher, but I wouldn't vote for him for the same reason I wouldn't vote for Humphreys.
Joanna Donnelly is a definite no from me
https://x.com/JoannaDonnellyL/status/1653014391959302144?t=AfzXNNW47v56f3MW6MyxlA&s=19

Nick Delahunty, I don't know enough about him, but I can't see him getting the nomination.

Maria Steen has some good qualities,as her legal background would stand to her and she speaks very well,but I don't know if I could get past the Iona Institute connection.

Bob Geldof hasn't lived in Ireland since the 70's and probably isn't known for his diplomatic skills.

McGregor is,I think, trying to wind people up. There isn't a hope he will get a nomination.

A very mixed bag so far.

https://x.com/JoannaDonnellyL/status/1653014391959302144?s=19&t=AfzXNNW47v56f3MW6MyxlA

deeahgwitch · 05/09/2025 14:36

Phase42 · 05/09/2025 07:59

It wouldn't have suited Bertie....the job isn't cash in hand.

You are very bold @Phase42šŸ˜‚

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TaTuirseOrm · 05/09/2025 14:47

Phase42 · 05/09/2025 07:59

It wouldn't have suited Bertie....the job isn't cash in hand.

I wonder if Bertie still doesn't have a bank account? šŸ¤”
If he wants one I recommend Revolut, he could use my referral and I'd earn €30 šŸ¤‘

Taytocrisps · 05/09/2025 18:41

Joanna's gone too!

Taytocrisps · 05/09/2025 18:42

You know how they say that a week is a long time in politics.......

deeahgwitch · 05/09/2025 19:57

You too are very bold @TaTuirseOrm
šŸ˜‚

OP posts:
TaTuirseOrm · 05/09/2025 21:10

So Michael Flatley is out now too.

It's like Lanigan's Ball
... she stepped in and he stepped out again... he stepped in and she stepped out again... šŸ•ŗ šŸ’ƒ šŸ˜†

TomBaileysFlyingGoggles · 05/09/2025 23:25

I see Conor has applied to Dublin City Council for a nomination. And is looking for Fingal's support too. He apparently has a councillor to recommend him to DCC.

TomBaileysFlyingGoggles · 05/09/2025 23:26

deeahgwitch · 05/09/2025 19:57

You too are very bold @TaTuirseOrm
šŸ˜‚

There are a lot of bold women on this thread 🤣

eggandonion · 05/09/2025 23:29

Surely it's time for Dana to reappear.

MarieDeGournay · 06/09/2025 10:24

I nominate yer man off the Brady's Ham ad, you know, the Irishman from the Irish country of IRELANDšŸ˜„

Or Liam Neeson in 'Taken' mode, look at this and just imagine what his 'Neeson for President' ads would be likešŸ˜‚

Yeah, there's no way Russia would mess with our undersea cables if HE was in the Ɓras!

Sorry - I know this is an important part of our democratic process- but sure lookit what would we be doing if we couldn't have a laugh?šŸ˜

eggandonion · 06/09/2025 15:04

Yes a little bit of Liam. With Pamela Anderson as first lady.

Onehorsetown · 06/09/2025 15:13

https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/simon-harris-bans-fine-gael-councillors-from-helping-independents-get-on-presidential-ticket/a471396864.html
That's a bit mean of Simon.
Without the backing of the Councils, it's unlikely any of the Independent hopefuls will get on the ballot paper.
That will put it between Humphreys, Connolly and Gavin/ Kelliher.
It would be so much more fun if we had Geldof, Flatley, McGregor and Stein in the debates.

Onehorsetown · 06/09/2025 15:15

eggandonion · 06/09/2025 15:04

Yes a little bit of Liam. With Pamela Anderson as first lady.

I would love to see Liam and Pamela in the Aras.

DublinFemale · 06/09/2025 21:58

Onehorsetown · 06/09/2025 15:13

https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/simon-harris-bans-fine-gael-councillors-from-helping-independents-get-on-presidential-ticket/a471396864.html
That's a bit mean of Simon.
Without the backing of the Councils, it's unlikely any of the Independent hopefuls will get on the ballot paper.
That will put it between Humphreys, Connolly and Gavin/ Kelliher.
It would be so much more fun if we had Geldof, Flatley, McGregor and Stein in the debates.

this really bothers me.

It smacks of controlling the masses. still a bit sore we didn’t do what we were told in March 2024 maybe. The work around control the names on the ballot

It should be up to us, let us the public decide.

I was seriously considering Mairead McGuinness. I like her, but she Is gone.

I won’t vote for any political party endorsed candidate.

This may just be the first time I destroy my vote.

Onehorsetown · 07/09/2025 10:22

DublinFemale · 06/09/2025 21:58

this really bothers me.

It smacks of controlling the masses. still a bit sore we didn’t do what we were told in March 2024 maybe. The work around control the names on the ballot

It should be up to us, let us the public decide.

I was seriously considering Mairead McGuinness. I like her, but she Is gone.

I won’t vote for any political party endorsed candidate.

This may just be the first time I destroy my vote.

I agree with you @DublinFemale.
I saw Maria Steen has said similar.
x.com/Independent_ie/status/1964471185476886965?t=Ib6nW4KAV8cxhRdmBXuzpw&s=19

It's also notable that she hasn't been invited on the Tonight show with Kieran Cuddihy despite having more backing than Delahunty or Donnelly, who were both interviewed this week.
She was very strong in interviews on the last referendum.

Abhannmor · 07/09/2025 12:01

Connolly was a good candidate in most ways. But I can't see her winning when the real contest begins and her support for gender woo gets out there . Pity.

I don't like the Blue Tories . Or the Green Tories. But they're obviously preferable to some racist rabble rousing Dementor. What a mess . Is it so hard to find someone vaguely left wing , who understands biology and has the cĆŗpla focal. I mean really. We are not even hard to please ffs.

I was living in London when Robinson got in . By then I'd sort of forgotten the Ɓras still existed. And they had certainly forgotten us šŸ˜”. We were an embarrassment I suppose. But she made the job more outward looking. A nation extending beyond its borders. Then we got lucky with Mickey D. Maybe it is time for a boring Pres with a low profile?

ColadhSamh · 07/09/2025 12:10

Gavin despite being 'non political' has been outed for supporting Emer Higgins, Fine Gael in her quest to be a TD. Seems there are efforts to isolate Catherine Connolly despite her being one of only 2 candidates with nominations secured. Heather Humphries retired from the DƔil as she found it too tiring but thinks she's OK for the Ɓras. Her support for an animal abuser is disgusting.

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