WITH REFERENDUM ON BLASPHEMY

in Ireland, he perhaps isn’t best suited as a representative of the Irish people. In his campaign, Casey has also garnered huge criticism for controversial comments made about Travellers.

Liadh Ní Ríada is the only candidate seeking the presidency this time out on behalf of a party. Although Michael D previously ran as a Labour candidate, he is now independent and has the backing of several of the major parties. While he allied himself to Fianna Fáil in the past, Gallagher also claims to be completely independent, as does Duffy, who refutes connections with Fine Gael.

Again Ní Ríada is no stranger to Wicklow and has visited on a number of occasions, particularly to support party colleagues during General and Local Elections. An MEP since 2014, she does have a strong political background, however, she has been criticised for her refusal to condemn actions taken by the IRA over the years, and has also been accused of having Sinn Féin’s logos figure very sparsely in her election literature. She refutes this saying she is proud of her Sinn Féin background and would be a President for ‘all the people’.

Finally psychologist Joan Freeman has been a senator since 2016. As the founder of Pieta House and the Darkness Into Light, she has a high profile, however, among the issues she has faced over the course of her campaign is whether she can be representative of a modern Ireland having admitted to voting ‘no’ in the recent referendum on repealing the 8th amendment.

While all of the candidates are firm in the belief that they are best for the job, ousting the incumbent President will be a major task with the bookies making him the runaway favourite. In fact, the first Red Sea Poll on the election had Michael D at 70% – more of the vote than all other candidates combined.