SF's Bennett praises 'stunning' Connolly victory
“Fine Gael have also been punished for their decision to block other candidates getting on the ballot paper.”
Sinn Féin’s Cathy Bennett described the result as a “stunning result” for Catherine Connolly, calling it a landslide victory.
The Cavan-Monaghan TD praised Connolly as an “amazing candidate” with a “positive vision for the Presidency: a neutral Ireland, a united Ireland, and a voice independent of government.”
Bennett also highlighted Sinn Féin’s “pivotal” role in the Connolly campaign. She noted that Connolly had moved from “fourth place to first” after Sinn Féin’s involvement, gaining momentum by “working alongside the combined opposition and thousands of ordinary people”.
According to Bennett, the challenge now is to “harness the energy” and hope reflected in the vote and channel it toward achieving new leadership for Ireland.
“Our job now is to harness the energy and hope represented in this vote and direct it towards achieving new leadership for Ireland.”
She further pointed out that a poll on Irish unity is likely during this Presidency, emphasising that the government “needs to start preparing for it”.
Bennett contrasted Connolly’s positive campaign with the approaches of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, singling out Fine Gael’s “negative campaign”. She described the result as a “resounding” rejection of the politics of both parties, particularly in the wake of a budget that she claims has left workers worse off.
“Fine Gael have also been punished for their decision to block other candidates getting on the ballot paper.”
Lastly she criticised Fine Gael for blocking other candidates from appearing on the ballot, acknowledging the many voters who feel disconnected, disaffected, and unheard by the system.
“I know that there are many others who were disconnected and disaffected. I know there are those who felt unheard, unrepresented, and ignored by the system. I want people to hear them, that we have listened, and that we will respond with engagement and action.”