Coppinger backs Connolly for President

Solidarity TD Ruth Coppinger has joined People Before Profit, Labour, and the Social Democrats in backing independent TD Catherine Connolly for President.

The Dublin West TD said she is backing the Galwegian to succeed fellow Galwegian Michael D Higgins as “Catherine Connolly is the candidate who is most associated with standing up to the genocide in Gaza.”

“While the Presidency is a largely symbolic role, the Presidential election can be an important opportunity to send a message to the political establishment nationally and internationally,” Coppinger explained.

She said that “Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are hoping one of their ‘business as usual’ candidates is elected. The choice they offer is an ex-minister steeped in establishment politics or a GAA celebrity candidate; however, working-class, young and oppressed people are not facing a ‘business as usual’ situation.”

The Solidarity TD criticised the current state of affairs, saying “the capitalist market has been left in control of housing and is ensuring that an affordable home is a dream for a whole generation, pushing many to emigrate.”

“We are seeing a huge growth in racism,  sexism, LGBTQI-phobia and hate. Climate change and environmental crises are worsening.”

“The Israeli state – with the political, military, and financial backing of all the major imperialist powers – is implementing a horrific famine in Gaza as part of its genocide.”

For those reasons, Coppinger said, “the presidential election offers a chance to elect a President who will be a voice on these issues and more.”

Catherine Connolly is a candidate that stands for a progressive left alternative. She has used her position in the Dáil to advocate for those facing discrimination and oppression and against injustice. She has spoken strongly on Palestine, against the genocide in Gaza and the complicity and lack of action of the Irish government. Electing Catherine Connolly as President will be a powerful message on those vital issues. It will also deliver a concrete set back to the far right, to militarisation and boost the Palestine solidarity movement,” she said.