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Theresa Reidy @theresareidy.bsky.social · 10h

Thanks a million Damien

Theresa Reidy @theresareidy.bsky.social · 12h

I wonder if some are already in the system

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Theresa Reidy @theresareidy.bsky.social · 14h

2025 was all about cash payments but 2026 is much more focused on expanding services. The groundwork wasn’t sufficiently laid by the govt for the change of direction. And services are patchy in some places already, and voters don’t trust that improvements will happen.

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Theresa Reidy @theresareidy.bsky.social · 14h

Conversation about the budget has a peculiar parallel worlds feel. In convo with Claire Byrne this morning, caller after caller bemoaned the stinginess of the package which is at odds with the huge 9.4 BILLION spending increase. Tension is rooted in the welfare state model & voters' expectations.

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Theresa Reidy @theresareidy.bsky.social · 18h

Got the Heather Humphries election flyer this morning in the post and had the realisation that Jim Gavin’s literature will probably still have to be sent out for legal reasons. He is still a candidate. Can a candidate halt the circulation of their literature?

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Theresa Reidy @theresareidy.bsky.social · 3d

Presidential election strikes again: these elections should only be contested by our most eminent and politically experienced citizens. Every one else ends up bruised from a campaign that is unlike any other in its individual personal scrutiny. #Aras25

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Theresa Reidy @theresareidy.bsky.social · 4d

Nice evening to start the season in Thomond Park. Storm has passed over.

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Theresa Reidy @theresareidy.bsky.social · 7d

Presidential election campaigns are tests of endurance and discipline. Jim Gavin’s campaign is learning that today. With only three candidates, there is no space for any misstep. And as the campaign progresses, the chances of slip-ups only gets higher… #Aras25

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Theresa Reidy @theresareidy.bsky.social · 8d

And how many voters do you think understand what the industrial military complex is, and have views on it?
Because she never explained what it was.

Theresa Reidy @theresareidy.bsky.social · 8d

In a low-energy presidential debate, only one candidate lit a spark

www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2025... >>the best piece on the debate last night, Gerard Howlin analyses it perfectly.

Gerard Howlin: In a low-energy presidential debate, only one candidate lit a spark

Jim Gavin sounded like he was reading from a PowerPoint, Heather Humphreys was lacklustre and Catherine Connolly had one big advantage

www.irishtimes.com

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Theresa Reidy @theresareidy.bsky.social · 9d

Sedate start to the presidential debates. Gavin a bit stilted but solid. Humphries trying to stay above the fray & focus on campaign messages, mostly worked. Connolly clear, informed & best of the 3 except for the odd references to the military industrial complex, meaningless for most voters #Aras25

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Theresa Reidy @theresareidy.bsky.social · 14d

Academic seeks to challenge ‘unlawful’ nomination process for presidential election

www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/co... >>could make for an interesting case.

Academic seeks to challenge ‘unlawful’ nomination process for presidential election

Process has turned election into ‘complete farce’, claims Dr Cora Stack

www.irishtimes.com

Theresa Reidy @theresareidy.bsky.social · 14d

It was great talking to Ciara for this podcast. We go into the nuts and bolts of the presidential campaign. It all kicks off today now that nominations have closed. Busy four weeks ahead.
Your Essential Guide to the Presidential Election newstalk.com/podcasts/new... via
@newstalkfm.bsky.social

Your Essential Guide to the Presidential Election | Newstalk

The line-up is set and the race for the Áras is officially on. The three contenders – Catherin...

newstalk.com

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Theresa Reidy @theresareidy.bsky.social · 18d

I agree it would give her a boost but the polling from last weekend shows that SF would not transfer fully to her, some would stay home. It probably won’t be enough to get her over the line unless Humphries or Gavin implode. Interesting times!

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Theresa Reidy @theresareidy.bsky.social · 18d

Not necessarily, McGuinness went back to his position in NI after a very bruising campaign.

Theresa Reidy @theresareidy.bsky.social · 19d

Sinn Féin announcement will be news of the weekend. Martin McGuinness was huge news in 2011. If they back Connolly, it will be a sign of disarray and indecision. Pearce Doherty would be a serious addition to the race. But ‘game-changer’ suggests someone completely new and of serious substance….

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Theresa Reidy @theresareidy.bsky.social · 19d

I have a weakness for the florists on Grafton St. Beautiful flowers. I’m resisting Autumn and sticking with Summer pinks. The heavy rain against the train window is ruining my buzz.

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Theresa Reidy @theresareidy.bsky.social · 19d

Congratulations to Eoin O’Malley @dublincityuni.bsky.social
on the success of his new book ‘Charlie vs Garret’ which was launched by Sean O’Rourke last night at a lovely event hosted by Dublin Lord Mayor Ray McAdam.

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Theresa Reidy @theresareidy.bsky.social · 19d

Got my first piece of presidential election literature today. Catherine Connolly’s team were handing out material outside Trinity at lunchtime. Good spot for a literature drop.

Theresa Reidy @theresareidy.bsky.social · 20d

Lovely to welcome first year politics students to UCC this week. One of our largest groups ever, it’s wonderful to see.

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Theresa Reidy @theresareidy.bsky.social · 23d

No presidential nomination from Cork City Council tonight. Proceedings have finished with a No vote. #Áras25

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Theresa Reidy @theresareidy.bsky.social · 24d

Nearly all serious candidates get onto the ballot and I can think of no ‘favourite’ that failed to make it. The system broadly works.

Theresa Reidy @theresareidy.bsky.social · 24d

If we allow open nomination like at other elections, we would end up with dozens of candidates, unwieldy ballot papers, and the screening process ultimately being done by broadcasters/papers who would decide which candidates to include. That would be inferior and also demeaning to the office

Theresa Reidy @theresareidy.bsky.social · 24d

And Labour have nominated multiple candidates across the decades. Senators can nominate too so they often have the 20 needed or close to it. The system requires cooperation for small parties/independents. It doesn’t exclude them which is v important to ensure choice for voters.

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Theresa Reidy @theresareidy.bsky.social · 25d

I’m writing about Ireland, the current president is Michael D Higgins.

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