Presidential candidate Catherine Connolly TD has condemned as entirely false and malicious a deep-fake video that appeared online last night purporting to announce her withdrawal from the election.

“I am absolutely still a candidate for President of Ireland,” Ms Connolly said. “The video is a fabrication. It is a disgraceful attempt to mislead voters and undermine our democracy. I will not be distracted. I will continue my campaign in every county, meeting people and making the case for a hopeful, inclusive Presidency.”

The Connolly campaign has already reported the video to the social media platforms where it appeared, requesting its immediate removal and clear labelling as fake. A formal complaint has been lodged with the Electoral Commission.

Catherine Connolly said disinformation has no place in Irish public life and urged members of the public to verify content before sharing; “If you see this video, do not share it - report it,” she said. “The surest reply to lies is to vote.”

The Connolly campaign is also calling on social media platforms to act swiftly and responsibly to remove fake election content, designed to deceive the public, to apply clear labels to AI-generated media, and to fully cooperate with the relevant authorities by preserving metadata and assisting investigations to identify those responsible for producing and distributing the false material.

Catherine Connolly’s campaign events continue as planned today and tomorrow across the country, with full details available on her official platforms.

ENDS

Contact:

press@connollyforpresident.ie