Labor’s Kelly Expresses ‘regret’ Over Criticism of Presidential Candidate Backing
Dublin, Ireland – Labour TD Alan Kelly has moved to quell internal party tensions following his public criticism of Labour’s decision to support autonomous presidential candidate Catherine connolly. Kelly communicated “regret” to party colleagues if his remarks caused “confusion or concern,” according to sources within the Labour Party.
the move comes after Kelly launched a strong critique on Tipp FM radio on Wednesday, questioning the rationale behind the party’s endorsement of Connolly. He voiced concerns over her past criticisms of Labour, particularly her claim that the party “lost its soul” during its time in government.
“[I’m] not sure what Catherine Connolly did to deserve our support,” Kelly stated in the interview, adding, “I respect everybody’s views in the party, but I was against this.”
key Concerns Raised by Kelly:
International Relations: Kelly expressed reservations about Connolly’s views on international affairs, specifically referencing her positions on Syria, Russia, and the European Union.
Past Criticism: He highlighted Connolly’s long-standing criticisms of the Labour Party, dating back to 2006.
* Association with Controversial figures: Kelly also pointed to Connolly’s association with former Independent TDs Mick Wallace and Clare Daly, and her previous support for Gemma O’Doherty’s 2018 presidential bid, citing O’Doherty’s views on vaccines.
Following the fallout from the interview, Kelly reportedly engaged in a “long discussion” with Labour leader Ivana Bacik to “clear the air.” While he reaffirmed his dissenting views, he conveyed his regret for any resulting confusion or concern within the party.
kelly emphasized that he respected the party’s ultimate decision, despite disagreeing with it.
The Labour Party’s Presidential Choice
The Labour Party’s decision to back Catherine Connolly has proven divisive,with Kelly’s public dissent highlighting the internal debate surrounding the choice. The party is standing by its decision, but Kelly’s comments underscore the challenges of unifying support behind a candidate who has previously been critical of Labour’s policies and performance.
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