“Learning is a lifelong process and should never stop” - Catherine Connolly Tells Us Her Message to Students

“Learning is a lifelong process and should never stop.” 

Speaking to Silver Hand journalists Ruth McGee and Jade Hannon, this was among the messages Catherine Connolly had for third-level students in Maynooth University. The presidential candidate, former Ceann Comhairle and TD for Galway West arrived at Maynooth’s Students’ Union building shortly after 4pm on Tuesday 14th October. A large crowd of students and staff alike gathered to observe – and in the case of many, to cheer her on. 

At the time of writing, Connolly leads polls at 38 per cent. When excluding uncertain and non-participating voters, and planned spoiled votes (culminating at 36%), her numbers rise to 60%. This is in contrast to Heather Humphreys and the still-eligible Jim Gavin, who under the same adjustments poll at 32% and 8% respectively.  

The event, jointly organised by Maynooth’s Ógra Sinn Fein, Social Democrats and People Before Profit branches, reflected the cross-party support Connolly has accumulated during her campaign. Maynooth Students’ Union, who cannot endorse political candidates, confirmed to Silver Hand via Instagram that Humphreys’ team has been contacted about a similar visit but did not respond. 

Connolly thanked attendees first in Irish. She then spoke to the crowd on the topics of the war in Palestine, the ongoing peace process and her hope for the “end of the genocide.” Other topics mentioned included housing and the reported 16,000 homeless people in Ireland, and the work of carers.  

Speaking to the crowd, Connolly championed the cross-party collaboration backing her campaign; “We put aside [our] differences for the common good and the greater good”. However, she stressed that she remains an “independent candidate with and independent mind.” 

This point was echoed by Ógra Sinn Fein committee members, who believe the president should serve as an advocate for the public. “An independent candidate can show where the government’s going wrong... and can put that into the public consciousness or create that discourse.” said Treasurer Ruairí O’Connor.   

“She’s not tied down by any sort of party policy. Anything she says comes from her own consciousness, which would be a big benefit for the student body in Ireland.” agreed Cathaoirleach Aoife Ní Dhraoi. 

When asked by Silver Hand about policy she would like to see implemented in favour of students, Connolly first wished to stress that if elected, she could not introduce legislation. Under the Irish constitution, the President holds only the power to sign Government pre-approved legislation. If deemed non-compliant with the constitution by the President, a bill may be sent to the Supreme Court for judgement. Legislation then approved by the Supreme Court cannot be challenged.  

She also pointed to her record of speaking on third-level issues in the Dáil during her political career. This includes a May 2025 statement on the shortage and corporatisation of student accommodation in Galway, in which she called on universities and the Government to build more student housing on campus or state-owned land.   

However, Connolly said that she wished to see third-level institutions make it easier for students to “step in and out” of education at all ages and circumstances; “Learning is a life-long process and learning should never stop… Life doesn’t stop because you don’t pass an exam or fail an exam. In fact, in my life, I’ve learned more from failure than I have from success.” 

Connolly also noted that she “had the privilege of going to different colleges in Galway and Leeds... and what I’ve learned is that the more formal education you get, the more you have the confidence to say I don’t know. But I check and I learn.” 

She also drew on the experiences of her family within education. “Coming from a family of 14, we’ve had teachers, doctors, carpenters, a plumber – and I would safely say almost all of them went back to third-level education at some stage and it was wonderful to see that happening. My father gave us a lifelong love of learning, a lifelong love of the Irish language and imbued in us social justice and equality.” 

When asked about her social media canvassing and its popularity among younger people, Connolly stated that “every age is important” to her. However, it is indubitable that her campaign has proved popular among the student age group. Seven out of ten young voters spoken to by The Irish Times in a vox pop poll said they would vote for Connolly. “The Irish language, [Irish] unity, neutrality – everything she stands for is what young people stand for,” opined Ógra Sinn Féin’s Comhairleacht Amber Ní Bhrádaigh. “I think they can see a future within her.” 

Connolly called on the crowd to vote in both the presidential election and then-ongoing MSU by-elections. Following this, she walked through campus – posing for photos and making conversation with students. One student approached for a photo carrying a jersey belonging to his five-a-side team, in a likely nod to Connolly’s now viral ‘keepy-uppy’ video. Connolly obliged. 

Many of these students, not just those belonging to political wings like Ógra Sinn Féin or People Before Profit, may wish to see Connolly elected this coming Friday. For most, it is the first presidential election they are eligible to vote in. For many, this vote marks their first step in shaping Ireland’s political future. 

“We’re the new generation,” said Ní Dhraoi. “That’s who Catherine Connolly stands for.” 

Polls for the presidential election open at seven a.m. and close at ten p.m. on Friday 24th October. All Irish citizens over the age of eighteen, ordinarily resident in Ireland, and registered to vote are eligible to do so. Further, verified information can be found at www.electoralcommission.ie.  

Many thanks to Jade Hannon, Mark Walsh and Adam Shanley for their assistance.