Ireland’s next President must be fully committed to Peace Process and recognise all state institutions - MEP Kelleher
Published on: 02 October 2025
Fianna Fail MEP for Ireland South, Billy Kelleher has questioned the judgement of Presidential candidate Catherine Connolly, in light of her attempts to hire a former member of an anti-peace process group to work in Leinster House.
The former member of the fringe anti-peace process group was also previously convicted of firearms offences by the Special Criminal Court.
“The Good Friday Agreement can never and must never be taken for granted by anyone, let alone by someone seeking the highest office in the nation.
“The GFA , which was endorsed by over 90% of voters in this State, provided the peaceful, democratic framework to bring to an end the horrible cycle of violence that prevailed for over three decades on our island.
“We all must exercise our best judgement to protect its delicate legacy.
“The deeply worrying reports that Catherine Connolly repeatedly tried to gain security clearance to Leinster House for a person who was a member of a fringe anti-GFA organisation are highly disturbing.
“Her decision to hire a former member of a dissident republican group, who was found guilty by the Special Criminal Court of unlawful possession of firearms and possession of ammunition, seriously calls into question her sense of judgement.
”Deputy Connolly must acknowledge the seriousness of these crimes and fully clarify the interactions she had with An Garda Síochána in relation to her efforts to gain Oireachtas security clearance.
Kelleher also highlighted the importance of our President recognising all institutions of the state, including the Special Criminal Court.
“Deputy Connolly previously voted against the continuation of the Special Criminal Court, an institution that has served our state well since its establishment," added Kelleher.
“It has proved itself incredibly useful in assisting our justice system in dealing with the most serious of gangland and terrorism threats; threats that remain very real, present and persistent.
“It is not just politicians who believe in the value of the Special Criminal Court. An Garda Síochána has consistently emphasised the need for the Special Criminal Court to allow them to do their job properly and effectively.
“That is why last year’s vote to now renew the Special Criminal Court by Deputy Connolly is so troubling.
“Our next President should recognise the Court’s vital role in ensuring the security of our state,” concluded Kelleher.
The former member of the fringe anti-peace process group was also previously convicted of firearms offences by the Special Criminal Court.
“The Good Friday Agreement can never and must never be taken for granted by anyone, let alone by someone seeking the highest office in the nation.
“The GFA , which was endorsed by over 90% of voters in this State, provided the peaceful, democratic framework to bring to an end the horrible cycle of violence that prevailed for over three decades on our island.
“We all must exercise our best judgement to protect its delicate legacy.
“The deeply worrying reports that Catherine Connolly repeatedly tried to gain security clearance to Leinster House for a person who was a member of a fringe anti-GFA organisation are highly disturbing.
“Her decision to hire a former member of a dissident republican group, who was found guilty by the Special Criminal Court of unlawful possession of firearms and possession of ammunition, seriously calls into question her sense of judgement.
”Deputy Connolly must acknowledge the seriousness of these crimes and fully clarify the interactions she had with An Garda Síochána in relation to her efforts to gain Oireachtas security clearance.
Kelleher also highlighted the importance of our President recognising all institutions of the state, including the Special Criminal Court.
“Deputy Connolly previously voted against the continuation of the Special Criminal Court, an institution that has served our state well since its establishment," added Kelleher.
“It has proved itself incredibly useful in assisting our justice system in dealing with the most serious of gangland and terrorism threats; threats that remain very real, present and persistent.
“It is not just politicians who believe in the value of the Special Criminal Court. An Garda Síochána has consistently emphasised the need for the Special Criminal Court to allow them to do their job properly and effectively.
“That is why last year’s vote to now renew the Special Criminal Court by Deputy Connolly is so troubling.
“Our next President should recognise the Court’s vital role in ensuring the security of our state,” concluded Kelleher.
-ENDS-
Notes: Link here to last year’s Dail Vote on renewal of Special Criminal Court. Labour, Social Democrats, voted in favour, Sinn Fein abstained, Deputy Catherine Connolly voted against.
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Billy Kelleher