Presidential Election 2025: The Candidates Share their Visions for Civil Society
Ireland will be heading to the polls on Friday, 24 October, to vote on who will become the 10th president of Ireland.
The Wheel has asked the two candidates, Catherine Connolly and Heather Humphreys, about their experience and vision of the community and voluntary sector.
Our questions explore the candidates' personal involvement in community and voluntary activity, as well as their vision for the role of civil society in Ireland and the contribution of community and voluntary organisations to Irish society.
Commenting on the statements from the two presidential candidates about the role of civil society, Barry Dempsey, CEO of The Wheel, Ireland's national association of community and voluntary organisations, charities, and social enterprises, said:
“It is heartening to hear both contenders for the Presidency voice their insight and appreciation of the role charities and community and voluntary organisations play in Irish society.
“What comes through strongly in both statements is the variety of ways people get involved in charitable and voluntary activity up and down the country, from the Order of Malta, to Men’s Sheds to Tidy Towns to campaigning on local issues to volunteering in the political process itself. We see this strength in diversity everyday among The Wheel’s more than 2,600 member organisations.
“Asked about the role civil society organisations play in advocating with and for the communities they represent, both candidates recognised the expertise and independence of community and voluntary organisations and emphasised the power of personal stories and lived experience to bring home to policy makers the challenges people face.
“Finally, both candidates promise to 'open the doors if elected and make the Áras a welcoming place for community and voluntary organisations and use the presidency to 'showcase their work on a national stage'".
The response from each candidate is reproduced in full.
Read Catherine Connolly's Response Read Heather Humphreys' Response
Catherine Connolly
Can you tell us about a time you were involved in a community or voluntary organisation or charity? Why did you get involved, what was your role, and what did you get from it?
From the Order of Malta in my youth, to weekly face-to-face clinics across Galway, to standing with communities in Oughterard against asylum misinformation, to persistent PQ-led advocacy for UHG emergency, maternity and primary care - my voluntary service has been practical, rights-based and rooted in dignity and evidence.
As a public representative I have given voluntary time every week to advice clinics in Galway, supported by local volunteers, helping people navigate housing, disability supports and immigration paperwork and social-welfare issues. My role has been to listen first, document carefully, advocate firmly, and follow through until a fair outcome is secured. What I have learned from volunteering and engaging with volunteers around me is a lesson in dignity, resilience and practical solidarity. It has grounded my politics in service, not spectacle, and reminded me that good governance begins with how we treat the person across the table.
What is your vision for the role of civil society in Ireland and the contribution community and voluntary organisations make to Irish society?
As President, within the Constitution, I would use the convening power of the office to open doors at Áras an Uachtaráin to community and voluntary organisations, amplify evidence-based advocacy, and celebrate the volunteer spirit that holds our towns and cities together. I want a Republic where organisations are trusted with multi-annual, core funding; where advocacy is protected and where co-production with communities is normal practice. The measure is simple - do people see their rights respected, their services improved, and their voice heard.
Do you have any advice for community and voluntary organisations about anything they could do to better advocate for the communities they represent?
My advice is to keep advocacy evidence-led and human, pairing clear data with consented lived experience, and to focus on specific asks that link directly to statutory duties and measurable outcomes. Build broad coalitions; safeguard independence through strong governance; and mind your teams - clear roles, boundaries and burnout prevention are the conditions for sustained service.
Heather Humphreys
What’s your earliest memory of a voluntary group or a charity being active in your community or active on issues you cared about as a young person?
I always remember when I was a wee girl attending school and we put on a concert to raise money for our local hall in Drum, County Monaghan.
That represents a fond and early memory that I have of the importance of charity.
Can you tell us about a time you were involved in a community or voluntary organisation or charity? Why did you get involved, what was your role, and what did you get from it?
I was involved in the Rockcorry Development Association where I managed their books. This was a very rewarding voluntary role that fuelled my desire to get involved in community life.
What is your vision for the role of civil society in Ireland and the contribution community and voluntary organisations make to Irish society?
Ireland has a vibrant and effective civil society which has played an invaluable role in shaping our country, particularly in recent years as we have made great progress as a nation.
I want to see that continue, and for civil society to be included and consulted in the national conversation and public policy making.
Supporting community and voluntary groups has always been at the heart of my work, and if I am fortunate to be elected President that will continue.
They are the glue that holds communities together.
They are the people who give up their time and never ask for anything in return.
They’re our Youth Workers, GAA clubs, Women’s groups, Men’s Sheds, Tidy Towns, Meals on Wheels to name but a few. They’re the people selling the raffle tickets or out doing the church gate collection on a wet morning.
If fortunate enough to secure your vote and become President, I will recognise and celebrate these unsung heroes all around Ireland. Áras an Uachtaráin will be a welcoming place for them and I will also bring the Áras to communities all across the country to showcase their work on a national stage.
Do you have any advice for community and voluntary organisations about anything they could do to better advocate for the communities they represent?
Not only do community and voluntary organisations provide invaluable services to those who need them, they are the most effective advocates for the people they represent.
They do not need my advice, but I know that when they tell the personal stories of the people they represent, they really shine a light on their issues, and really help to policy makers about the challenges that people face.
Every person who is an Irish citizen and is included in the register of electors is entitled to vote at the Presidential election on the 24 October.
* The responses are published in alphabetical order.