Fine Gael eyes centre-left as accusations of smear campaign gather momentum 

Heather Humphreys was open to asking for the FG vote, highlighting how during her time in Government Fine Gael had worked with Labour, the Green Party, and a slew of Independent TDs. Picture: Philip Toscano

Candidates in an election can always expect to face attack and strong criticism from their opponents in the midst of an election campaign.

Both Heather Humphreys and Catherine Connolly have repeatedly had their records probed since the campaign began.

Humphreys has primarily faced questioning on her time in Government, around issues such as the housing crisis and austerity, while Connolly has been pressed on a previous trip to Syria, the hiring of a woman convicted for a firearms charge, or her stance on the Russia-Ukraine war.

But Fine Gael now faces a key challenge in the days ahead, as a narrative grows that it is engaging in a smear campaign against Connolly.

While there had been accusations of a media smear campaign against the Independent candidate earlier in the election cycle, comments from former Fine Gael minister Ivan Yates opened the floodgates to sweeping criticism from the left.

In a podcast appearance last week, Yates provided the party with advice on how he would best tackle Connolly’s campaign, given her distance ahead in the polls.

“If you were asking me, okay? So Fine Gael ring me and say: ‘How do we reverse this?’ right?” Yates said.

“You’re going to be shocked about this now… I would go bullheaded: ‘Do you want a provo in the park? Is she a Russian asset?’

I would smear the bejaysus out of her, simply because you’ve nothing to lose.

Fine Gael has rejected outright any assertions it is smearing Connolly, while Humphreys has said she is simply seeking to ask questions about the Independent’s record.

However, one senior Connolly campaign source questioned if Humphreys’ “heart was in it”, saying she didn’t believe the Fine Gael candidate was interested in attacking Connolly.

What exactly is the Fine Gael strategy though, how does it hope to use its attacks against Connolly to further its own presidential candidate’s chances?

With a binary choice in place after Jim Gavin’s departure, Fine Gael may be hoping to peel away some centre left voters who may be uncomfortable with Connolly’s previous criticism of the EU, or a perceived closeness to Mick Wallace and Clare Daly.

Humphreys was open to asking for the FG vote, highlighting how during her time in Government Fine Gael had worked with Labour, the Green Party, and a slew of Independent TDs.

I’d ask their supporters to please consider me for their number one vote.

With Connolly on the front foot in the polls, Fine Gael could be attempting to hinder the Independent candidate’s momentum and try to wrestle back key percentage points worth of support.

A Business Post/Red C poll showed Connolly ahead on 36%, Humphreys behind on 25%, and former Fianna Fáil candidate Gavin on 12%.

When Gavin is removed, Humphreys receives the biggest jump, moving to 31%, but Connolly remains ahead on 39%.

If Humphreys can peel away some of Connolly’s support, it would certainly bolster her campaign and close the gap in what could end up being a very tight race.