DUBLIN, Ireland: Presidential candidate Catherine Connolly has said that people in Ireland cannot fully trust the United States. The Galway-based independent TD, who several left-wing parties support, argued that this mistrust is shared widely across the country.

Connolly, the only candidate officially on the ballot to succeed President Michael D. Higgins in October, spoke about her campaign during an interview on RTÉ's This Week. She has the backing of Labour, the Social Democrats, People Before Profit–Solidarity, and a group of independents, and is also hoping for Sinn Féin's support.

She said she was "incredibly proud" to be the only confirmed candidate so far. "From what I've seen travelling around Ireland, there's a big gap between the official conversations happening at the top and what ordinary people are feeling across all age groups and communities," she explained.

Connolly was asked about her past remarks, in which she said Ireland could not trust the U.S., France, or the United Kingdom. She clarified that these comments were made specifically in the context of international conflicts, particularly in Gaza.

"Do I have a trust problem with America? Yes—and I think every person in this country does," she said.

Connolly pointed to U.S. President Donald Trump's "volatile and unpredictable" behavior, including the use of tariffs and what she described as bullying tactics. She also criticized Western countries for focusing on trade disputes while, in her words, ignoring the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

"We have a famine in Gaza, a man-made famine just like Ireland experienced in 1845," Connolly said. "That's the kind of policy issue I want to talk about."

The candidate also addressed questions about how she would handle Ireland's neutrality if elected. If the government were to pass legislation that altered Ireland's stance on neutrality, she said her role as president would be to review it carefully.

"The president must ensure legislation is consistent with the Constitution," Connolly explained. "Of course, no president does this alone—they take advice from the Council of State. With that expert advice, you decide whether to refer the law to the Supreme Court or not. I would have no problem carrying out that responsibility."

Connolly also mentioned her recent visit to the Electric Picnic music festival in Co Laois, saying the experience had "energised" her campaign and connected her more closely with young people.