Connolly would use voice in 'every way possible' for united Ireland

Catherine Connolly expressed her support for Irish unity

Irish presidential election hopeful Catherine Connolly has said she would use her voice "in every way possible" for a united Ireland.

The independent member of the Dáil (Irish parliament) was speaking during a trip to Belfast as part of her campaign.

She denied it was a "waste of time" to visit Northern Ireland, where people cannot vote in the upcoming election for the Irish Republic.

"Wasting my time? Absolutely the opposite. I have always felt that we have cut off a limb of our body in having Northern Ireland cut off from us," she said.

Connolly expressed her support for Irish unity, but said she was "very conscious" this would only happen with the consent of the majority of citizens.

"It's a building of trust, and it's a building of a vision for a united Ireland where we value everybody," she added.

"Of course I would like to see it in my term as president, but whether that will happen will be a political decision.

"But I will use my voice in every way possible for that vision to be a reality."

'Proud Galwegian'

Speaking in west Belfast, Connolly said she was a fluent Irish speaker, a mother of two and a "proud Galwegian" as she hails from Galway city.

She said the upcoming election was "particularly important given the state of the world".

"We need a president that uses her voice for peace in the world," she added.

"A president that says diplomacy is important. A person and a president that calls out genocide for what it is."

Connolly, pictured alongside People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll during a visit to Culturlann McAdam O Fiach in Belfast as part of the event facilitated by People Before Profit

Asked by reporters if she was "courting" the support of Sinn Féin, Connolly said she has "never liked" the word.

"I look forward to support from every single side," she added.

"I would look on myself as a uniting candidate, somebody that can draw people together and unite on the basic issues that are important to us."

Connolly was also asked how she sees her relationship with unionists in Northern Ireland if she became Irish president.

She responded: "We're a pluralist society - we're in the 21st century. We have to value diversity.

"We have to value all traditions, all religions, in an inclusive manner. That's what a strong democracy does."

Who is Catherine Connolly?

Connolly has been an independent TD (Teachta Dála, Irish MP) for the Galway West constituency since 2016.

She previously served as deputy speaker in the Dáil in Dublin.

A former member of the Irish Labour Party, she quit after not being allowed to run alongside Michael D Higgins in the 2007 general election.

Connolly has been backed in her Irish presidential bid by several left-leaning parties and a number of independents.

Other contenders

None of the main parties in the Irish Republic have so far confirmed their plans for the presidential election.

Fine Gael, one of two parties in the Irish government, is deciding between two potential candidates.

They are former cabinet minister Heather Humphreys and Séan Kelly, an MEP (Member of the European Parliament) and former president of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA).

Heather Humphreys could be put forward by Fine Gael

It comes after the party's original candidate Mairead McGuinness withdrew due to health issues.

Fianna Fáil, the other party in the coalition, has also yet to decide its plans.

Speculation on potential candidates have ranged from former Dublin GAA manager Jim Gavin to Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) MP Colum Eastwood.

Sinn Féin, the main opposition party, has not confirmed whether it will run a candidate or back someone else.

Its leader Mary Lou McDonald told BBC News NI on Sunday the party would make an announcement in September.

The party's Stormont assembly member Gerry Carroll called on 'all parties who consider themselves left or progressive' to endorse her campaign

Connolly's visit to Belfast was supported by People Before Profit.

The party's Stormont assembly member Gerry Carroll called on "all parties who consider themselves left or progressive" to endorse her campaign.

"Catherine is an accomplished, progressive TD and a tireless voice for working-class people across Ireland," he said ahead of her visit.

"Her principled support for Irish neutrality, outspoken advocacy for the rights of women and migrants, deep respect for the Irish language and passion for economic justice make her the only viable presidential candidate for the left."

What is the role of the Irish president?

Michael D Higgins is the current President of Ireland

The president of Ireland acts as the head of state.

It is a largely ceremonial role, representing Ireland at public events at the national and international level.

Only citizens residing in the Irish Republic have the right to vote in presidential elections.

To run for the office, you have to be an Irish citizen and aged over 35.

Candidates also need the backing of either 20 members of the Oireachtas (Irish houses of parliament) or four of the 31 local authorities.

Michael D Higgins was inaugurated as the ninth president in 2011 and was re-elected in October 2018.

He is not eligible to stand again as he will have completed two full seven-year terms.

Higgins succeeded Mary McAleese, who has been the only president from Northern Ireland.