Tensions erupted on Bedford Row this afternoon as controversial teacher Enoch Burke ambushed independent presidential candidate Catherine Connolly during a campaign stop, reigniting debates over gender ideology and religious freedom just days before Ireland’s election.
Connolly, a Galway TD leading polls with an 18-point advantage over Fine Gael’s Heather Humphreys, was addressing a Palestine solidarity rally under the statue of actor Richard Harris. Flanked by supporters waving Palestinian flags, she had just begun speaking when Burke, stormed forward, “I am a victim because of your gender ideology! Do you have any respect for religious beliefs? You can’t say that, Catherine!”
The encounter, lasting under two minutes, drew chants of “shame on you” from the very left wing crowd. Burke, sacked from Wilson’s Hospital School for defying orders on a transgender student’s pronouns and later jailed for contempt, accused Connolly of enabling such policies. Supporters quickly escorted him away amid cries of “assault” from his family, with his brother appearing to end up on the ground.
Connolly, who claims she supports free speech, nodded and replied, “I’ve heard you,” and was ushered off.
As one social media user said, Connolly hadn’t even the decency to engage in debate.
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