Campaigning across the country
With the presidential election just days away, the top contenders are crisscrossing the country, meeting voters and local stakeholders as the countdown to polling day intensifies. Independent candidate Catherine Connolly and Fine Gael hopeful Heather Humphreys were both in action on an energetic campaigning day, touching multiple towns and engaging with community groups, business owners, and journalists along the way.
Connolly’s visits in Waterford and beyond
Independent candidate Catherine Connolly spent the morning in Ballybeg, Waterford city, meeting community representatives and listening to local concerns. Her engagements highlighted a focus on social supports and community services, as she spoke with representatives from the Brill Family Resource Centre about the needs of families and individuals who rely on these essential services. Connolly’s approach on the ground emphasizes accessibility and direct engagement with voters who often feel distant from national political discourse.
Humphreys’ Tipperary swing and local stops
Meanwhile in County Tipperary, Fine Gael presidential candidate Heather Humphreys undertook a walk along Cashel’s main street, stopping in at various local businesses, including a butcher, a boutique, a Credit Union branch, and the SuperValu supermarket. The day continued with a stop at the Upperchurch Drombane GAA club, where she spoke with journalists and outlined her campaign messaging for rural communities. Humphreys stressed the importance of practical, compliant governance that respects both tradition and modern needs in rural Ireland.
Security clearance controversy on the campaign trail
Humphreys seized on a security-related issue as part of her broader critique of the rival ticket. She accused Catherine Connolly of not adhering to Dáil Éireann security rules, accusing her of employing a woman with prior firearm offences on a day-pass basis without Garda clearance. In her remarks to reporters, Humphreys insisted that Garda vetting is a non-negotiable prerequisite for anyone entering the parliamentary environment and that all employers in Leinster House must follow the same rules. She said, “There are rules around access to Dáil Éireann. You must have Garda clearance before you can work in Dáil Éireann. And you know those are the rules. And you have to abide by the rules as an employer in Leinster House.”
Policy signals: rural life, climate, and beyond
The topic of rural life came up as Humphreys explained her stance on fox hunting, indicating support for rural pursuits provided they operate under strict regulations. She emphasized that many controls and regulations are in place and must be adhered to as part of any rural activity, reflecting a broader commitment to balancing tradition with public safety and animal welfare. In a broader climate frame, Humphreys signaled an intention to foreground climate issues should she be elected, arguing that a president who prioritizes environmental policy can help push for progress in a country facing both rural development challenges and climate responsibilities.
Looking to the debate ahead
Both candidates are preparing to share their visions and answer questions in a debate set for RTÉ Radio 1’s This Week with David McCullagh at 1pm tomorrow, with additional coverage on the RTÉ News channel. The event is viewed as a key moment for voters to assess how each candidate would handle domestic concerns, international postures, and leadership style in times of economic and social change. As the electorate awaits polling day, the canvassing tours underscore the importance of direct engagement—voters want to hear concrete ideas, not just slogans, in the days leading up to the Presidential Election on Friday, 24 October.
What this looks like on the ground
Across towns from Ballybeg to Cashel, candidates are pursuing a frontline approach: meeting residents, answering questions, and outlining policy priorities in accessible, person-to-person formats. The real-time conversations happening on high streets and inside local clubs or shops reflect a democratic process at work, where trust is built through dialogue and accountability, not just televised moments.
