OPINION: IRELAND’S SPOILED-BALLOT REVOLT SIGNALS IMMIGRATION BACKLASH — COLUMN URGES PRESIDENT CONNOLLY TO HEAR PROTESTERS

Irish columnist Niamh Uí Bhriain argues Catherine Connolly’s new presidency should engage directly with the ‘Spoil the Vote’ movement and communities with immigration concerns after a record spoiled-ballot protest during the election. The piece frames immigration as a central driver of public dissatisfaction and urges Connolly to listen to critics who feel sidelined. It also calls for a stronger pro-life stance and highlights Connolly’s commitment to the Irish language.