The race to become the next President of Ireland is officially underway. Catherine Connolly, Heather Humphreys and Jim Gavin are confirmed as candidates, but already controversy is shaping the contest. In this episode of Stormont Sources, David McCann, Tim Cairns and Michael McKernan ask whether Sinn Féin’s decision to back Catherine Connolly — rather than fielding their own candidate — is a clever tactical move or a major political risk. We explore how Connolly’s past comments on Hamas may affect her credibility, what Heather Humphreys’ background and Orange Order links mean for her chances, and whether Jim Gavin can extend his appeal beyond Dublin. The panel also reflects on lessons from Sinn Féin’s failed 2018 presidential run, how transfer votes will be crucial, and whether this could turn out to be a low-key contest despite the high stakes.

The conversation then turns to the DUP’s 2025 party conference, where leader Gavin Robinson unveiled his “Stormont or Starmer” message. We break down what Robinson is trying to achieve with this new framing, how it plays with grassroots unionists, and whether it can withstand the challenge posed by Jim Allister and the TUV. From unionist unity to the DUP’s stance on Israel and Gaza, and from big contradictions in Robinson’s pitch to the question of his long-term vision for unionism, we analyse what this conference tells us about the future direction of the DUP.

If you want to understand the dynamics shaping both the Irish presidential election and the DUP’s strategy in Northern Ireland, this episode has you covered.

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