Catherine Connolly hits out at 'poisonous' stories about her that had 'no evidence'
The president-elect gave her first interview after being elected with 63% first preference votes
President-elect Catherine Connolly said some stories about her during the Áras race were “poisonous”.
The Independent TD gave her first interview after being elected with 63% first preference votes in Dublin Castle last Saturday. Speaking on RTÉ’s Rádió na Gaeltachta, Ms Connolly hit out at media stories that had “no evidence or basis” to them.
The president-elect said she was determined to continue with a positive campaign, despite stories she claims had no evidence, adding: "I took it in a philosophical way really and everything they threw at me, I looked at and said there is no basis to that and I will continue.
"The greatest strength I have is, I believe, in the things I speak about, and that gives me strength and I'm not going to change and will ignore what they say about me."
Ms Connolly said she understands the media have “a really important role and it’s important to ask hard questions”, adding: “I spent two terms on the Public Accounts Committee asking hard questions of people. I can't then say not to put questions to me."
Ms Connolly said she hopes to be “a symbol” for a new movement in Ireland, and that her campaign has shown that people want change. She said: “This win is not for me, but for us. We were told clearly and loudly a new republic is needed, that considers everyone. I am a symbol for the new movement.
"Ireland is a beautiful country, the people are the best in the world. There is kindness, integrity in them and they were looking for values and hope. I listened carefully to all ages."
The president-elect was assigned close protection gardaí since her declaration last Saturday, which she said she is trying to get used to. She said she will continue to speak up for the people of Ireland, even though she understands the role of president “is different” to that of an opposition TD.
Ms Connolly continued: “The president's role is different of course, but I will be able to deal with that challenge in a positive way, but at the same time use my voice. You can do both things as I will be required under the Constitution to stand up for the common good."
She will be inaugurated on November 11, the day after President Michael D Higgins leaves office. The President can appoint seven members to the Council of State, who can advise in their exercise of powers.
Ms Connolly said she is currently thinking about who she will hire, and while it’s “too early yet” she is hoping to have a “variety” of different people. The ability to speak Irish is also important to her when hiring staff, as it’s her hope for the language to be used naturally in Áras an Uachtaráin.
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