Vincent Browne Praises Billy Kelleher‘s Courage in Referendum Stances
political commentator Vincent Browne has expressed admiration for fianna Fáil‘s Billy Kelleher, citing his courage in taking progressive stances on key referendums. Browne questioned the party’s consideration of Jim Gavin as a presidential nominee, stating it was “bizarre” that TDs were being asked to vote for him without knowing his views on crucial issues.
“There is something bizarre that Fianna Fáil TDs etc are being asked to vote for Jim Gavin as the party’s nominee for the presidency,without knowing [anything on where he stands on crucial issues],” Browne wrote on X (formerly Twitter). He contrasted this with the well-known political positions of Kelleher, asking, “Thay do know what Billy Kelleher stands for, so why not go with him?”
Speaking to The Echo, Browne elaborated, noting that Kelleher’s politics have been established for over three decades, while Gavin’s remain unknown. “It seems to me ridiculous that Fianna Fáil tds should be asked to vote on whether Jim Gavin is to be the candidate without knowing anything about him, what he thinks, what his politics are. I don’t mean party politics, but what his priorities are in politics, et cetera,” he said.
While acknowledging that presidents should ideally be above party politics, Browne emphasized that they are still engaged in politics. “Party politics don’t matter and hopefully presidents are above party politics, but you can’t get away from the fact they are in politics,” he stated. “Particularly the last several people who have been president, they have expressed thier views on crucial issues, and if Jim Gavin is going to do that, we should know about his views, or the TDs should know.”
When asked about Kelleher’s suitability as a candidate, Browne initially hesitated to comment on an internal Fianna Fáil contest. Though, he ultimately praised Kelleher for demonstrating “courage” by leading within Fianna Fáil on the abortion and same-sex marriage referendums.
“I admire Billy becuase, as an example, he took the lead in Fianna Fáil on the abortion referendum and, I think, on the same-sex [marriage] referendum. That required courage, as Fianna Fáil is, essentially, a conservative party, and I think that required courage, and he did it,” Browne said.
The presidential election is scheduled for friday, October 24th. Candidates must be Irish citizens over 35 and secure nominations from 20 Oireachtas members or four local authorities. Currently,Autonomous TD Catherine Connolly has secured backing from Labor,the Social Democrats,People Before Profit-Solidarity,and several Independents. Heather Humphreys has been confirmed as the Fine Gael candidate, while Sinn Féin has yet to announce its intentions. Local authorities will meet in the coming weeks to consider further nominations.
