Independent Senator Gerard Craughwell has refused to nominate campaigner Maria Steen for President, saying that nobody has produced evidence that her inclusion on the ballot represents “the will of the people.”
In a social media post published this morning, Craughwell addressed repeated requests from members of the public that he add his name to Steen’s nomination papers. He questioned how such demands could be justified, and insisted that he would not sign without clear evidence of public support.
“While many argue it is the will of the people that this candidate should be on the ballot paper none have produced empirical evidence that their demand is in fact the will of the people,” he said.
Citing Shakespeare, Craughwell argued that Oireachtas members should act in line with their own convictions rather than bowing to pressure.
“In life and in politics we must take the advice of Polonius to his son, Laertes, where he says ‘This above all: to thine own self be true’,” he remarked.
“My signature for a presidential nomination is not for sale at any price… I believe this argument flies in the face of being true to one’s self.”
Craughwell has previously attracted criticism for describing lobbying efforts on behalf of Steen as a form of “intimidation.” Earlier this week he objected to a social media account urging users to contact senators with requests to support Steen, after the account posted the publicly-available names, numbers and photos of several Oireachtas members.
“This is nothing short of intimidation and whoever is behind it is doing more damage than good. I will not be signing any nomination. I’m disgusted,” he said at the time.
Despite criticism, Craughwell later confirmed he had been assured by Steen that neither she nor her campaign had any involvement in the account. He said he accepted that assurance and wished her well in her bid.
Meanwhile, Independent TD and Minister Michael Healy-Rae has confirmed that he has signed Steen’s nomination papers. Speaking in a statement today, he stressed that while his “100% support” lies with Fine Gael’s Heather Humphreys, he wanted to ensure that voters had a “fair and full choice” in the election.
“Signing a nomination paper is not a signal of electoral support,” he said.
“It is simply ensuring that the people of Ireland are given a fair and full choice when they go to the polls.”
Steen, a barrister and conservative commentator, has been seeking the support of Oireachtas members to secure a place on the ballot. Candidates require the backing of 20 TDs or Senators, or the endorsement of four local authorities, to formally enter the race.
She currently has the support of 11 Oireachtas members. Other hopefuls include Gareth Sheridan, who has secured two council endorsements, and Nick Delehanty, who thus far has not received backing from either parliamentarians or councils.