Sarah O'Reilly (Aontú)

First, I commend the incredible work done by Maria Steen, her team and the various TDs and Senators who committed to signing her nomination papers. A huge range of Oireachtas Members had pledged their support to another candidate but recognised the importance of protecting and amplifying democracy by lending their signatures to her nomination papers. I thank them for that. There was demand from the public and across the political spectrum to see Maria Steen's name on the presidential ballot. It was impressive to see over 100 independent councillors sign a petition to nominate Maria. They had to work across the country to do that. It is truly a huge blow to me and to people who think like me that, despite this support, she has missed out on getting onto the ballot by only two signatures. Up until the last minute, people were contacting Senators and TDs to plead with them to ensure there was a candidate present at those debates who represents them and their views. I am heartened by the vast number of people who truly appreciate and support a candidate who stands for dignity and truth. Sadly, we have a political class who have ignored their electorate by dismissing the very councillors who voted for them. Having Maria Steen on the ballot would have allowed a large portion of society who feel unheard and unseen to be represented. We have lost an opportunity for respectful debate where ideas and opinions could be tested. Now that part of society will not have their voices heard throughout the presidential debates. It is sad for me to stand here today and see an entire section of society going unheard and ignored. The establishment was afraid of Maria Steen getting onto the ballot paper. They wanted a three-way race to limit the chances of a candidate other than their own succeeding. Their will has been done. If you believe that your candidate is accomplished enough to be the President of Ireland, you should not shy away from their positions being tested by an alternative viewpoint. Maria Steen would have been a truly formidable addition to the presidential ballot and I can only presume that is the exact reason she was kept off it. The phrase "death by a thousand cuts" comes to mind.