Female party leaders buoyed by Connolly poll result

The women leading the opposition parties backing Catherine Connolly were buoyed by favourable poll results for the presidential candidate.

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald, Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns, and Labour leader Ivana Bacik were among dozens joining Ms Connolly on a canvas of O’Connell Street in Dublin on Sunday.

Ms Connolly, who also enjoys the backing of People Before Profit and a range of independents, was on 32% in the Sunday Independent/Ireland Thinks poll, nine points ahead of Fine Gael’s Heather Humphreys (23%) with Fianna Fain’s Jim Gavin trailing on 15%.

Asked about the figures on Sunday, the Galway TD said: “The poll reflects the reaction that I’ve been getting on the ground – and not just me, the movement that I represent.”

There was a merry atmosphere on Dublin’s main thoroughfare as campaigners handed out leaflets while the candidate met voters, children and pets.

Speaking to the PA news agency at the canvass, Ms McDonald said: “I’m delighted that Catherine’s performing so strongly.

“I know that the campaign still has work to do, but she is clearly the soto able, most competent candidate in the field and I think all of the values that she represents will shine through.

“I think she will just be a person who can articulate Ireland and who we are in a really powerful way over the next seven years.”

She added: “She’s also not Fianna Fail or Fine Gael and I think that will matter to people.”

Ms Bacik said she was “delighted” with the figures but, having worked on campaigns for Michael D Higgins, she said early polls should not be taken as definitive.

She said: “We’re getting an incredible level of support for her, that’s our experience on the ground canvassing, so many people have already made up their minds.

“There are still undecideds but many after the first two debates are already moving towards her because her performance has been so strong.”

She added: “People say this to us: ‘Even if I don’t agree with everything she sees, I like her authenticity and her steadfast manner’.”

Ms Cairns said the momentum for Ms Connolly “keeps building” and added: “It is a really special campaign to be a part of.”

However, she agreed that the result will come down to undecideds and encouraged supporters to “spread the word”.