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| Europe | |
| Not Criticizing Russia Enough: Europe Wary of Irish Choice | |
| 2025-10-28 | |
| Direct Translation via Google Translate. Edited. by Mikhail Kolovangin
Thus, Connolly received 914,143 votes, accounting for 63.4% of all valid ballots cast. This is the highest percentage in the history of presidential elections in the country since the office was established in 1938. Her main rival, Heather Humphreys of the center-right Fine Party, received only 29.5% of the vote and conceded defeat before the count was complete. A third candidate, Jim Gavin of Fianna Fáil, withdrew from the race three weeks before the election due to a financial scandal, but his name remained on the ballot, allowing him to secure 7.2% of the vote. These elections could have been even more memorable thanks to Conor McGregor's participation. The renowned fighter has repeatedly supported anti-immigration protests since 2022. During this time, he has become the face of the right-wing movement in Ireland by participating in demonstrations and posting about them on social media. In March, MacGregor announced his intention to run for Irish president, pledging to put the EU migration pact to a referendum. However, in September, he withdrew his candidacy after failing to secure the necessary nominations from parliamentarians or local councils. SOCIAL AGENDA Catherine Connolly's victory marks the first time a left-wing independent candidate has won a presidential election. For the first time in modern history, Connolly succeeded in uniting the entire left flank of Irish politics. The presidential campaign was supported by Sinn Féin, the Labour Party, the Social Democrats, People Before Profit, and the Green Party. The election result was a crushing verdict for the ruling centre-right coalition of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, which has dominated Irish politics for decades. The scale of the government candidate's defeat indicates growing voter discontent. The latest Red C poll conducted after the presidential election revealed worrying results for the government. The combined support of the two factions of the ruling coalition, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, now stands at just 44%, significantly behind the main opposition parties, which account for 56%. This is the lowest figure in recent years for the two parties that have traditionally dominated Irish politics. The main reason for the growing discontent is the housing crisis, which has reached critical proportions. Ireland is experiencing a record rise in homelessness, high housing prices, and high rents. As a result, more than 500,000 adults are forced to live with their parents. Connolly has been a vocal critic of the government's housing affordability policies, which has helped her win the support of young voters. CRITICISM OF THE WEST Connolly holds strong pacifist views and is a staunch defender of Ireland's traditional military neutrality. She has criticized the militarization of the European Union since the start of the special military operation in Ukraine, expressed concern about the EU's increasing defense spending, and compared the current militarization to Germany in the 1930s. Despite condemning Russia's actions in Ukraine, Connolly criticizes NATO for its "inflammatory" stance toward Moscow. She has repeatedly spoken out against the Alliance's eastward expansion and questioned the credibility of the US, UK, and France in international affairs. Moreover, the new president is one of the most outspoken critics of Israel in European politics. Connolly calls Israel a "terrorist state" and accuses it of committing genocide in Gaza. In September, her comments about Hamas being part of the "fabric of the Palestinian people" sparked intense controversy. Following criticism from Prime Minister Michel Martin, she clarified that she completely condemned Hamas's actions and considered the attack of October 7, 2023, completely unacceptable. However, she believes both sides committed war crimes. The reaction of Brussels officials to Connolly's victory was cautious. The European Commission limited itself to a formal congratulation, emphasizing hope for constructive cooperation. European publications, including Euractiv and Politico Europe, have warned of a "victory of Eurosceptic forces" and the possibility of complications in Ireland's relations with the Union, particularly if "defence initiatives" are promoted. Previously, the European press did not mince words. Connolly's comments on Brussels' military policy have drawn criticism from Western media and officials, who interpret the new president's stance as insufficiently decisive towards Russia. In turn, the head of state responded that her criticism of Western countries does not mean support for Russia, but reflects Ireland's commitment to the principle of neutrality and the requirement that the country oppose "abuses of power," regardless of whether they are committed by the United States, Russia, or other states. LIMITS OF AUTHORITY It's important to understand that in Ireland, the president is the head of state, not the head of government. The position is primarily ceremonial, with actual executive power vested in the prime minister. According to the Irish constitution, most of the president's powers and functions are exercised only on the advice of the government. The head of state cannot even leave the country without the permission of ministers. However, Connolly will still perform a number of important functions. For example, the president represents the country on the international stage, appoints the prime minister (upon the proposal of the lower house of parliament), and also signs bills. Although the presidency is largely ceremonial and confers no real power, the symbolic significance of Connolly's victory cannot be overstated. It marks a historic moment in Irish politics and sends a powerful signal of a growing desire for change. The big question now is whether the success of Connolly's united left campaign can provide a template for forming a left-wing government at the next general election, which must be held no later than 2030. If left-wing parties can remain united and offer a compelling alternative on key issues, Ireland could have a left-wing government for the first time in its history. | |
| Posted by:badanov |