Fergus Finlay: The nomination process has to change before the next presidential election

Connolly’s victory was decisive but exposed deep flaws in Ireland’s presidential process — and the anger now consuming public debate

Catherine Connolly with her husband Brian McEnery in Dublin Castle after her victory in the presidential election. Picture: Eamonn Farrell

First and foremost, president-elect Connolly deserves massive congratulations. She ran a powerful and vibrant campaign on her own terms, and she won an astonishing victory. 

Presidential elections, because they are essentially about character and not policy, are always minefields. Our next president succeeded in dodging every potential mine — instead they blew up one of her opponents.