This is liberal campism—the mirror image of the pseudo-anti-imperialism of the Kremlin's fans. Instead of reflexively defending Russia because it opposes the West, they reflexively defend NATO expansion and European militarization because it opposes Russia. Both are campist errors that subordinate class analysis to geopolitical bloc logic.
Does anyone exoect any less from the compromised Irish media, than mudslinging?.
Demeanor Matters
Presidents do not govern — they represent. Their power lies not in policy but in presence: tone, dignity, and the ability to embody the respect Ireland owes itself and others.
This is where Catherine Connolly and Heather Humphreys part company most sharply.
Connolly is known for her calm, deliberate manner. Even when under pressure in the Dáil, she speaks with thoughtfulness and care, never with contempt. Her critics might call her stubborn or overly principled, but rarely disrespectful.
By contrast, Humphreys has a record of brusqueness that jars with the dignity we expect of the presidency. One notorious example: when questioned by reporters about a local controversy, she told them to “fuck off.” The language is not just rude — it is inappropriate, arrogant, and dismissive of the very accountability that underpins public service.
Was it thuggish? Some might think that word too strong, but at minimum it was ill-mannered and beneath the office she then held. And it raises the obvious question: if this is how she reacts to scrutiny, what kind of figure would she cut as Head of State, expected to be a symbol of respect, inclusivity, and composure?
Thank you for the historical clarity.It is truly helpful especially in such uncertain times.Messy thinkers are the last thing the world needs anytime but especially right now.I have learned a lot from your posts and am grateful for them. In America,
This is liberal campism—the mirror image of the pseudo-anti-imperialism of the Kremlin's fans. Instead of reflexively defending Russia because it opposes the West, they reflexively defend NATO expansion and European militarization because it opposes Russia. Both are campist errors that subordinate class analysis to geopolitical bloc logic.
Does anyone exoect any less from the compromised Irish media, than mudslinging?.
Demeanor Matters
Presidents do not govern — they represent. Their power lies not in policy but in presence: tone, dignity, and the ability to embody the respect Ireland owes itself and others.
This is where Catherine Connolly and Heather Humphreys part company most sharply.
Connolly is known for her calm, deliberate manner. Even when under pressure in the Dáil, she speaks with thoughtfulness and care, never with contempt. Her critics might call her stubborn or overly principled, but rarely disrespectful.
By contrast, Humphreys has a record of brusqueness that jars with the dignity we expect of the presidency. One notorious example: when questioned by reporters about a local controversy, she told them to “fuck off.” The language is not just rude — it is inappropriate, arrogant, and dismissive of the very accountability that underpins public service.
Was it thuggish? Some might think that word too strong, but at minimum it was ill-mannered and beneath the office she then held. And it raises the obvious question: if this is how she reacts to scrutiny, what kind of figure would she cut as Head of State, expected to be a symbol of respect, inclusivity, and composure?
Thank you for the historical clarity.It is truly helpful especially in such uncertain times.Messy thinkers are the last thing the world needs anytime but especially right now.I have learned a lot from your posts and am grateful for them. In America,
Ruth Ben-Ghiat is reliably excellent.
Thanks again.
A good article. It’s amazing how effective Russian propaganda and social media algorithms can be.