Fontaines D.C. bassist Conor “Deego” Deegan III has publicly endorsed Catherine Connolly ahead of Friday’s presidential election, calling her “the candidate of the uncolonised Irish mind.”
In a statement shared on his Instagram Story on Tuesday, the musician praised Connolly’s vision for Ireland, writing: “Catherine Connolly is an exceptional candidate for President of Ireland. She represents not only the will of the Irish people on the geopolitical stage, but she embodies the moral ambition of our Constitution as it was first imagined: a socialist republic.”
Deegan went on to contrast Connolly with her main opponent, Heather Humphreys, saying: “Heather Humphreys is the candidate of the mind colonised by Britain.” He also accused Humphreys of running “a recent smear campaign against Connolly” and criticised attempts to “humanise” herself through media appearances.
“These strategies fall far below the standards of dignity and courtesy I’ve come to cherish in Irish political life,” he wrote. “Humphreys embodies the old FF/FG Anglo-Irish mentality: an Ireland reshaped in the image of Britishness, governed through the same modes of control and hierarchy.”
The musician concluded by describing Connolly as “a Gaeilgeoir and a true representative of the Irish spirit,” adding that he had “no doubt she would serve as a thoughtful, principled and inspiring President of Ireland.”
The outspoken bassist’s comments are consistent with Fontaines D.C.’s history of political expression, both on and off stage. The Dublin-formed post-punk band — comprising Grian Chatten, Carlos O’Connell, Conor Curley, Tom Coll and Deegan — have frequently referenced Irish identity and political disillusionment in their lyrics. Their 2022 album Skinty Fia, which topped charts in Ireland and the UK, explored themes of cultural loss, colonial legacy, and national pride through a modern lens.
The group previously touched on Irish politics in their song “I Love You”, which includes a sharp critique of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, expressing frustration with establishment politics. The track became one of the band’s most powerful statements, earning them further praise for blending artistry with political commentary.
Deegan’s latest remarks come amid a growing wave of cultural figures voicing opinions in the run-up to the vote. On Tuesday night, several Irish acts — including The Mary Wallopers, Huartan, Madra Salach, SexyTadhg, Christy Moore, Shampain and Cable Boy — performed at the Ceol For Connolly: Get Out To Vote fundraiser at Vicar Street, urging young voters to back Connolly.
Formed in Dublin in 2014, Fontaines D.C. have risen to international acclaim with their poetic, politically charged songwriting and electrifying live performances. The band have been nominated for multiple Grammy and Brit Awards, becoming one of Ireland’s most successful rock exports in recent years — and remain unafraid to speak out on social and political issues at home.
