Steen’s Campaign Doomed by Timing
Maria Steen has attracted more headlines and column inches than the other three presidential candidates combined as we head into a short and intense election run-in. Ms. Steen would certainly have provided a different perspective compared to Jim Gavin (Fianna Fáil), Heather Humphreys (Fine Gael), and Independent Catherine Connolly.
Essentially, we have a left-wing candidate in Ms. Connolly and two centrist candidates in Mr. Gavin and Ms. Humphreys. Despite Ms. Steen’s claims to be a centrist, her views lean towards the right of the political spectrum. As a member of the Iona Institute, a socially conservative Catholic organization, Ms. Steen campaigned on the ‘no’ side in both the abortion and same-sex marriage referendums. While the ‘yes’ side won comprehensively in both cases, she saw more success in the recent family and care referendums, campaigning for a ‘no’ vote in both, which the electorate supported overwhelmingly.
Senator Michael McDowell was aligned with her in these recent referendums, but they have since had a fallout following her presidential campaign. Ms. Steen secured 18 Oireachtas nominations out of the required 20 and subsequently criticized the “oppressive” system. Yet, this political consensus rarely seemed more detached from public wishes.
Every candidate knows the rules, which have remained unchanged despite their complexity. Writing in the Sunday Independent, Ms. Steen denied that timing was a factor in her campaign, explaining she was waiting to see if Mr. McDowell would enter the race. She said:
“In response to those who have criticised what has been described as my late entry into the race, I have spoken about my concerns for my family and the impact that both a campaign and a possible election might have. But there was also another issue that influenced my decision: the question of who else might run. One of the potential candidates in question was Senator Michael McDowell.”
She added:
“The reality is, there was more than enough time for anyone who wanted to nominate me to do so. Despite requests to meet and talk with certain Oireachtas members, my calls, emails and texts went unanswered. While I would never presume on anyone’s vote, and no one had an obligation to nominate me, I did appreciate the candour of those who met with me and told me one way or the other whether they intended to nominate me or not.”
Despite these claims, timing and strategy ultimately undermined her campaign. Securing 18 nominations after a late entry suggests Ms. Steen could have rallied the necessary support with more time.
In the Sunday Independent article, she noted that the route of securing four local authorities proved too difficult, and starting the campaign earlier might have helped secure more local councillor backing.
In a recent interview with The Irish Times, Ms. Steen addressed online controversy over her Hermes handbag—valued between €10,000 and €30,000. She said the handbag was “deliberate,” designed to expose what she described as the hypocrisy of the left, who “don’t love the poor; they just hate the rich.”
She added:
“It was hypocritical for feminists to say they want more women in public life and then criticise a woman who happens to have the wrong values for carrying an expensive handbag. Nobody would question a man about the price of his car, his suit, or his watch, but if a woman carries an expensive handbag, that becomes the headline.”
First Presidential Debate
Turning to the declared candidates, the first presidential debate will take place at 10pm on Virgin Media One this Monday. While some argue that the choice in this election is underwhelming, the debate might surprise viewers given what is at stake for all three candidates.
Many voters remain unsure of Jim Gavin’s positions on key issues, and his relative lack of political experience compared to his rivals means the debate carries significant weight for him.
Heather Humphreys may face questions regarding an alleged animal cruelty case that was dropped after correspondence from her office to the Department of Agriculture.
Meanwhile, both Mr. Gavin and Ms. Humphreys may target Catherine Connolly over controversial statements she has made, including comparisons between Hamas and German rearmament in the 1930s.
‘Commissioner McGrath Must Tackle Social Media Recommender Systems,’ TD Says
The government “needs to lean on” EU Commissioner Michael McGrath to dismantle social media recommender systems that “spread hate and misinformation,” according to Limerick TD Conor Sheehan.
Mr. McGrath, who serves as EU Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, will oversee the forthcoming European Democracy Shield. This legislation is aimed at safeguarding electoral integrity, strengthening the rule of law, protecting media freedom, supporting civil society, and upholding the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.
Many advocacy groups see this as an opportunity to remove social media recommender systems. These algorithms use user data to suggest relevant content and people, aimed at increasing engagement and personalizing experiences. However, it is well-documented that they often prioritize misinformation and hateful content, creating echo chambers.
In an interview with BreakingNews.ie, TD Sheehan said:
“The forthcoming Democracy Shield legislation is designed to tackle the spread of online misinformation and essentially protect European democracy. The Government needs to lean on Commissioner McGrath in relation to this. You can really see the European Union exercise its power in these matters when you look at the work Margrethe Vestager did as commissioner. Social media companies need to be forced to disable the recommender system.”
Mr. Sheehan also highlighted a rise in far-right violence targeting immigrant and minority communities, warning that incidents like the Dublin riots and violent protests around Leinster House will worsen if these “toxic” recommender systems are not addressed.
Trump Dáil Address?
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said he would have “no issue” with US President Donald Trump addressing the Dáil during a visit to Ireland.
Speaking in New York while attending the UN General Assembly, Mr. Martin said, “personally” he would have no objection to Mr. Trump addressing the Oireachtas, although he acknowledged that opinions would vary.
The Ryder Cup is currently taking place at the Bethpage Black golf course in New York and is scheduled to be held at Adare Manor in Co. Limerick in 2027. Given Mr. Trump’s well-known interest in golf, he may decide to attend.
Additionally, Mr. Trump may also visit Ireland next year as the 2026 Irish Open is set to take place at his Doonbeg resort.
Mr. Martin added that any address to the Oireachtas “would depend” on circumstances and that there would likely be differing views on the issue.
Abroad
In France, former President Nicolas Sarkozy’s prison sentence has deepened divisions over the judiciary’s handling of political wrongdoing. This development comes months before far-right leader Marine Le Pen attempts to overturn her embezzlement conviction in a bid to run for the top office.
In the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has warned voters to be wary of Nigel Farage as support for his Reform UK party surges in opinion polls.
—
This week’s political landscape promises intense debates and important decisions as Ireland heads closer to the presidential election, while broader international developments continue to influence political discourse at home and abroad.
https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/steens-presidential-bid-doomed-by-timing-and-strategy-rather-than-oppressive-system-1812211.html
