Fine Gael Ramps Up Criticism as Connolly Claims Party is Absolutely Terrified
In the lead-up to the presidential election, Fine Gael escalated its criticism of Catherine Connolly on Monday. This comes as both candidates prepare for the final televised debate on RTÉ scheduled for Tuesday evening.
Fine Gael’s Accusations Against Connolly
Fine Gael has accused Ms. Connolly of hypocrisy. The party claims she worked for banks in home repossession cases while publicly criticizing them as a city councillor. This allegation has sparked backlash, notably from Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan.
Fine Gael presented local media reports from Galway detailing Ms. Connolly’s strong stance against the housing crisis and banks during her time as a councillor. They emphasized that she was employed by these banks at the same time.
Concerns from Inside Fine Gael
- Some backbenchers within Fine Gael question the party’s aggressive tactics.
- One member described recent campaign videos as “American-style pieces” that lack taste.
Connolly Defends Her Position
In her counterattack, Ms. Connolly asserted that Fine Gael’s tactics stem from fear of her campaign’s impact. “They are absolutely terrified,” she claimed, expressing that the party’s actions indicate their disconnect from the public.
Connolly urged her opponent, Heather Humphreys, to retract comments suggesting she profited from people’s misfortunes. She argued that the surge in home repossessions resulted from government policies rather than individual actions.
Personal Reflections on Policy Impact
Connolly shared her experiences witnessing the fallout of these policies, noting packed courts and families facing eviction. “People committed suicide as a direct consequence of government policy,” she stated, emphasizing the human impact of these issues.
Contrasting Perspectives
On the campaign trail, Humphreys faced scrutiny regarding the actions of Cootehill credit union, where she managed. She clarified that no one lost their homes under her management, describing actions taken there as last-resort measures.
As the campaign nears its end, Connolly remains the clear front-runner. Humphreys, dubbed the underdog, maintains her belief in her potential to win the presidential election.
Building a Movement
Connolly emphasizes that her campaign is about more than herself, referring to it as a movement. “This movement will continue after me,” she declared, expressing gratitude for the unity she has fostered among supporters across various political backgrounds.
