Humphreys Condemns Animal Cruelty in Áras Race as Connolly Calls for Independent Presidential Voice
In a recent presidential debate, independent candidate Catherine Connolly confronted accusations from Fine Gael’s Heather Humphreys regarding her stance on European treaties. This exchange occurred during a live broadcast on RTÉ, where Humphreys claimed that Connolly had consistently voted against every European treaty. Connolly disputed this assertion, stating that it was “absolutely wrong.” She admitted to voting “no” on both the Lisbon and Nice treaties, while also implying that voting against a treaty can reflect legitimate public concerns.
Connolly Defends Voting Record
Connolly highlighted that her opposition to these treaties stemmed from significant concerns about Ireland’s neutrality. She expressed disappointment regarding the erosion of Ireland’s Triple Lock policy, which has traditionally upheld the country’s neutrality in military matters. “Voting ‘no’ is indicating our concerns,” she stated. She criticized Fine Gael’s campaign tactics, describing them as fear-mongering tactics meant to undermine her foreign policy positions.
Humphreys Responds
In response, Heather Humphreys acknowledged Connolly as a “decent woman” but emphasized their differing views. She characterized Connolly’s approach as “far-left.” Speaking at the Jameson Distillery in Dublin, Humphreys laid out her vision for the presidency. She promised to prioritize trade missions and work closely with the enterprise minister to ensure benefits for Irish companies.
Trade Missions and Presidency
- Humphreys believes that investment in trade missions yields significant returns for Ireland.
- She emphasized the importance of representing Irish interests abroad, both economically and culturally.
- As president, she intends to recognize community contributions through an award system.
She asserted, “I will be a president that focuses on communities.” This statement reflects her commitment to representing diverse voices across Ireland while navigating the responsibilities of the presidency.
Addressing a Personal Tragedy
Moreover, Humphreys spoke on the sensitive issue involving Lucia O’Farrell, whose son, Shane, died in a tragic accident in Co. Monaghan in 2011. Humphreys expressed her sympathies and reiterated that she had made efforts to support O’Farrell within the bounds of her role as justice minister at that time. She clarified her inability to intervene in the independent processing of the case, emphasizing her dedication to the family’s circumstance and pain.
Conclusion
The ongoing dialogue between Connolly and Humphreys highlights critical issues around animal cruelty and the broader implications for Irish politics as both candidates vie for the presidential role. Each candidate presents a distinct vision, with Connolly advocating for a voice of independence and Humphreys promising action within the existing structures. The upcoming election will reveal the public’s response to these contrasts.
