Ó Caoláin hails ‘game changer’ in emerging Left unity

Early local tallies put Heather Humphreys ahead.

Former Cavan-Monaghan TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has echoed the words of Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald in describing the electoral cooperation by left-leaning parties as a “game changer”, saying it demonstrates how effectively groups with shared political outlooks can work together in future.

Speaking at the count centre at the Ballyhaise Agricultural Centre, Ó Caoláin says this election represents “a first experience for all of us in forging a united front”, and expressed confidence the result will reflect that collaboration.

“If it does, as I hope it will, it could signal what’s achievable in the future,” he said.

Addressing the broader political landscape, he noted a “push from the right”, while also commenting on the unusually high number of spoiled votes.

Ó Caoláin described some of these as “questionable” and “very sad”, adding they did not reflect well on those exercising their democratic franchise.

He also criticised some of the “insulting remarks” written on ballot papers, saying both Heather Humphreys and Catherine Connolly “were deserving of better consideration”.

Turning to early counting trends, Ó Caoláin observed that Humphreys was performing strongly, particularly in rural area — traditionally considered her home base — while Connolly was leading slightly in urban areas.

“In the two Ballyjamesduff boxes I’ve reviewed, the situation stands at three to two in favour of Catherine Connolly,” he said, calling it “a very particular indicator”.

While stressing that it was still too early to draw conclusions, Ó Caoláin described the situation in Cavan–Monaghan as “very interesting” and continuing to unfold.