The Daily Star Ireland
Independent presidential candidate Catherine Connolly has voiced strong criticism of what she described as the European Union’s increasing militarisation, warning that European nations are prioritising defence spending over social welfare at a time of growing global instability.
Speaking on Katie Hannon Interview Live, Ms Connolly said the trend toward greater military investment “has always been a concern for me and it remains a concern for me.”
“As a woman and as a mother,” she continued, “I’m deeply worried about the direction many countries are taking — spending more on arms and defence while cutting resources for social services and welfare. Those priorities are completely misplaced.”
She added that many people across Ireland shared her concerns, particularly in light of what she called “the genocide in Gaza, carried out by Israel and funded by America,” which has, in her view, brought the issue into sharper focus.
Concerns Over Germany’s Rearmament
When asked about past comments comparing Germany’s rearmament to the 1930s, Connolly clarified that her intention was to highlight “serious concerns about the parallels between now and that period.” She said, “I used the example of Germany, which is rebooting its economy and purchasing more and more weapons. That should concern anyone committed to peace.”
Connolly reiterated her condemnation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but maintained that Europe’s current level of militarisation risks fuelling further global instability rather than preventing it.
Defending the Syria Fact-Finding Trip
Connolly also addressed criticism over her use of the Parliamentary Activities Allowance to fund a 2018 trip to Syria, describing it as a legitimate “fact-finding mission.”
Asked specifically about her visit to Yarmouk Palestinian refugee camp in Damascus, Connolly said she was escorted by “a number of people who showed me around the camp,” but firmly denied allegations that she had “fraternised” with any designated terrorist groups operating in the area at the time.
“I went there to see the destruction and the suffering caused by dictatorship and war,” she said. “I came back horrified by what I saw — by the devastation, the loss, and the human cost.”
Hiring Controversy and Staffing Decisions
Connolly also defended her decision to hire a woman who had previously served a six-year prison sentence for a firearms offence and had been affiliated with the Socialist Republican party Éirígí. She explained that the woman came highly recommended and that her hiring reflected Connolly’s belief in rehabilitation and second chances.
“There were no vetting emails to release because I wasn’t directly involved in the process,” she clarified. “I simply wrote to ask why there was a delay in issuing her Dáil pass.”
Campaign Independence and Sinn Féin
Addressing speculation that Sinn Féin’s political support was contingent on her campaign focusing on a border poll, Connolly dismissed the suggestion outright.
“That was not the price of support,” she said. “I’ve placed unity and peace at the heart of my campaign because I believe in it, not because anyone demanded it.”
She also noted that while she has limited contact with Clare Daly and Mick Wallace, she has not asked them to distance themselves from her campaign.
Connolly said she frequently visits Northern Ireland, where she has met people who told her they “wish they could vote for her.” She confirmed that, if elected, she would serve only one term as President.
Transparency, Family Life, and Campaign Trail
Connolly reaffirmed her commitment to greater transparency in government, saying she supports expanding Freedom of Information laws to include the Office of the Presidency. She added that all presidential expenses are already reviewed by the Public Accounts Committee.
When asked about her husband, Brian McEnery, and whether he would take on a public role if she becomes President, Connolly replied, “I’ll leave that decision entirely up to Brian.”
She also shared personal details about her lifestyle, saying she hopes to promote fitness and wellbeing as part of her presidency. “I’d like to set an example showing how important physical activity is for health and mental balance,” she said.
As for pets, she added with a smile, “My two cats will definitely be moving into Áras an Uachtaráin with me.”
“A Movement Gaining Momentum”
Campaigning in Navan, County Meath, earlier on Wednesday, Connolly said she believes her campaign is “gaining momentum every day” and suggested that Fine Gael appears “very worried” by the growing public interest.
Speaking to supporters at Navan Shopping Centre, she said the election represents a unique opportunity for Irish voters to make their voices heard.
“It’s for the people of Ireland to decide,” she said. “That’s what’s so special about this election. I have complete confidence in the people of Ireland, and I trust their judgement.”
