Michael Collins TD congratulates Catherine Connolly on her election as President of Ireland

Independent Ireland Leader Michael Collins TD has congratulated Catherine Connolly on her election as President of Ireland, describing her as “an honest and fair representative deeply committed to public service”

“In any dealings I’ve had with Catherine Connolly, I’ve found her to be honest, fair, and deeply committed to public service,” Deputy Collins said. “I wish her every success as she takes on this important national role.”

Deputy Collins said Independent Ireland’s focus now turns to the Galway West bye-election, which he described as “a real test of the Government’s record and the strength of democracy in Ireland.”

“The reality is that huge numbers of people stayed at home during this election, and the level of spoiled votes tells its own story,” he said. “It’s clear that many citizens are frustrated with this Government and the establishment parties — they don’t feel represented or listened to.”

Deputy Collins said the Galway West bye-election offers an opportunity to give those voters a voice.

“I see this bye-election as a referendum on the Government’s performance — a chance for democracy to play out in a full and fair manner, in an open race for the Galway West seat,” he said.

“The road to that bye election starts now and we will put forward a candidate that will stand up for ordinary people who feel left behind,  I am confident that the people of Galway West will choose a common sense, hardworking people first candidate to represent them in Catherine Connolly’s place and we hope they will choose our candidate to do that.”