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I thought the quality of candidates for the presidential election is vey average to say the least. As a northern nationalist I would like someone who would push for a border poll. I think Sinn Fein have made a huge mistake I'm not running their own candidate as Catherine Connolly has rarely spoken about Irish unity as a TD.
Strange as it may seem the election of Heather Humphrey's who's grandfather was a unionist might work out very well as it might make some northern unionists to think again about Irish unity.

tireoghainabu (Tyrone) - Posts: 416 - 01/10/2025 15:52:58    2638165

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Replying To Square_B:  "Oh sure he has if one was being completely pedantic, let him who is without sin cast the first stone and all that....."
I'm a bit surprised Micheál Martin hasn't been out claiming it was a Russian drone interfering in our crucial Presidential election, nothing would surprise me anymore,
bull island is alive and well, aviation safety chief drones on a bit himself too.

Tirchonaill1 (Donegal) - Posts: 3468 - 01/10/2025 18:41:50    2638188

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Replying To tireoghainabu:  "I thought the quality of candidates for the presidential election is vey average to say the least. As a northern nationalist I would like someone who would push for a border poll. I think Sinn Fein have made a huge mistake I'm not running their own candidate as Catherine Connolly has rarely spoken about Irish unity as a TD.
Strange as it may seem the election of Heather Humphrey's who's grandfather was a unionist might work out very well as it might make some northern unionists to think again about Irish unity."
Think you are correct in everything you say. But unless Mary Lou went or they got Jarleth Burns involved, there was no potential SF candidate that seemed likely to win.

FullOfPorter (Roscommon) - Posts: 374 - 01/10/2025 19:53:27    2638196

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Replying To FullOfPorter:  "Think you are correct in everything you say. But unless Mary Lou went or they got Jarleth Burns involved, there was no potential SF candidate that seemed likely to win."
An "Ulster Scotch Presbyterian " in the Áras might be the outcome the future All Ireland State needs at the present time.

Seanfan (Roscommon) - Posts: 136 - 02/10/2025 00:12:22    2638212

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Replying To tireoghainabu:  "I thought the quality of candidates for the presidential election is vey average to say the least. As a northern nationalist I would like someone who would push for a border poll. I think Sinn Fein have made a huge mistake I'm not running their own candidate as Catherine Connolly has rarely spoken about Irish unity as a TD.
Strange as it may seem the election of Heather Humphrey's who's grandfather was a unionist might work out very well as it might make some northern unionists to think again about Irish unity."
It is average but lets be completely honest, there is no one in Sinn Fein that would have improved the quality of candidate bar Jarleth Burns, who would have been An excellent candidate. However, true to honour, he committed to the GAA as he said he would.

Square_B (Leitrim) - Posts: 1519 - 02/10/2025 08:53:56    2638216

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Replying To Seanfan:  "An "Ulster Scotch Presbyterian " in the Áras might be the outcome the future All Ireland State needs at the present time."
I agree. While I am no fan of the Orange Order, I have no issue with someone from a Protestant faith or Unionist background becoming the President of Ireland.

Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1482 - 02/10/2025 13:03:59    2638247

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Replying To Doylerwex:  "Of course you are right, which is how the conversation started. The church is not infallible by any definition. It's behaviour has been vile at times, nowhere more than in this country in modern history.

I believe there is a correlation but again you may be right. I would argument that the role of the family and the forms they take would be the best starting point."
I agree with you on the role of the family, definitely a major factor. I don't mean to dismiss your points about the correlation to decline of the Church, I just suspect there are quite a few other hidden factors that are being overlooked.

I have become disillusioned with the Church over the last 15-20 years, as you no doubt can detect from my earlier comments.

Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1482 - 02/10/2025 13:14:19    2638248

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Replying To Commodore:  "I agree. While I am no fan of the Orange Order, I have no issue with someone from a Protestant faith or Unionist background becoming the President of Ireland."
Nor would I, but can anyone say, hand on heart, that Heather Humphreys is the person? In my opinion, she's not but because the competition is so bad, she very well may get the nod.

Square_B (Leitrim) - Posts: 1519 - 02/10/2025 13:19:14    2638250

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Replying To Commodore:  "I agree. While I am no fan of the Orange Order, I have no issue with someone from a Protestant faith or Unionist background becoming the President of Ireland."
Who would are less? Some of our greatest ever patriots have been Protestants. We've had previous presidents, GAA presidents and our most famous cup is named after one. It's a non issue. That said Humphries is a weak candidate, all three are.

yew_tree (Mayo) - Posts: 11782 - 02/10/2025 13:39:36    2638253

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Replying To Square_B:  "Nor would I, but can anyone say, hand on heart, that Heather Humphreys is the person? In my opinion, she's not but because the competition is so bad, she very well may get the nod."
its a limp role in many respects, so in reality we need someone who is diplomatically sound, can host visiting nations, visit nations or attend public events and not put their foot in it. It probably is a retirement gig for long-term politicians, not sure what the benefits are, but It probably leaves them well looked after.

I honestly don't know why someone as young and energic as Jim Gavin would want that role, he really could do great work elsewhere, such as Minister for Health, image if he hit the HSE with the same approach as the FRC?

I don't know much about Heather Humphereys, other than she was key to get the Ulster canal link up complete with Cavan/Monaghan, which is a cool project. I have nothing against her, she might be a very effective President.

Likewise Catherine Connolly, don't really know much about her politcal career, but she seems level headed. Definitely maybe more suitable as he is near retirement.

Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1482 - 02/10/2025 15:29:53    2638273

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The protestors blocking the port tunnel are absolute clowns. They will now turn many people against them. Great they got he day off work to block workers and emergency services. Public order unit not called in?

yew_tree (Mayo) - Posts: 11782 - 02/10/2025 17:33:50    2638286

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