Here's a summary of the key points from the provided text:
Catherine Connolly's Hamas Comments:
Connolly stated that Hamas is part of the fabric of the Palestinian people, sparking controversy.
Sinn Féin and People Before Profit agree with her sentiment.
Labour and the Social Democrats would not have used the same language.
Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael condemned her remarks.
Fianna Fáil Minister Thomas Byrne strongly criticized her, calling Hamas "murderers and rapists."
Connolly's campaign focuses on issues like Gaza, housing, and the Irish language, targeting a younger, left-leaning demographic.
Maria Steen's Presidential Bid:
Steen claims to have 17 of the 20 nominations needed to run for president.
She believes she offers an "alternative voice and choice" to the Irish people.
Independent Ireland party is backing her nomination, adding four TDs to her support.
Danny Healy-Rae is also supporting her nomination.
Steen addressed a call she received from someone posting malicious falsehoods about Jim Gavin, stating she condemned such behavior and wants a respectful debate.
Reactions to Connolly's Hamas Comments (Continued):
Sinn Féin TD Matt Carthy said Hamas is part of the situation in Palestine.
Green Party leader Roderic O'Gorman sees Hamas as a terrorist organization but believes the door must be kept open.
Labour's Ged Nash said her remarks were "not the language I would have used."
Alan Kelly (Labour) wants her to retract her comments.
The Social Democrats defended Connolly, saying she clarified her remarks.
Maria Steen's Backers:
A list of publicly known backers is provided, totaling 12 individuals.
Danny Healy-Rae's support would bring the total to 13.
Speculation exists about Senator Aubrey McCarthy's potential support, which would bring the total to 14.
With Independent Ireland's backing, Steen would need only two more signatures.
Barry Heneghan will not be signing her papers.
Efforts are focused on gaining support from Independent TDs, particularly those from the Regional Group.