Statement on recruitment of former prisoner.

Catherine believes in the rule of law, in accountability and in rehabilitation. In 2018, as a TD and Chair of the GaeilgeCommittee, Catherine sought to engage a former prisoner for administrative support in her work on that Committee. This person was recommended to Catherine Connolly by Éamon Ó Cúív who came to know her in the course of his important prison outreach work. She was more than qualified for the role, a model prisoner who began her PhD in prison and subsequently completed it when she was released early.

She worked in Catherine’s office for a little less than six months and left of her own volition. No one from An Garda Siochana contacted Catherine Connolly to say this person was unsuitable.

Catherne Connolly said: “I abhor all violence, and I abhor hypocrisy.

“I took careful time to reflect on this hire. I discussed this with TDs, who were part of a committee that visited Republican prisoners. I believe in rehabilitation. I believe in giving someone a chance in life. My whole life, public life, has been devoted to raising my voice for those that didn't have a chance and those that committed crimes and then a chance for rehabilitation.

“This person realised what they had done was utterly wrong, rehabilitated themselves with the help of the services in the prison, and has gone on to greater things.

“I absolutely regret that she's been dragged into this in such a public way.

“This is a very good example of rehabilitation and of the prison service working in this case to give somebody a second chance.

The fundamental issue here is that we cannot claim to believe in rehabilitation while permanently excluding people who have completed their sentences and shown that they wish to contribute. This does not diminish victims, it reaffirms a basic principle of fairness and reintegration within the law.”

Catherine has always and will always uphold the Constitution and the independence of our institutions. She has and will always speak for a justice system that is firm, humane and genuinely rehabilitative - one that protects the public while allowing people who have paid their debt to rebuild their lives and give back to society.

END

Contact: press@connollyforpresident.ie