Tipperary TD endorses 'courageous' and 'refreshing' conservative candidate for the presidency

Independent TD Mattie McGrath has backed conservative campaigner, architect, and barrister Maria Steen for the upcoming presidential election. 

In a statement issued by Mattie McGrath, he said "it is with great honour and conviction that I confirm my support for Maria Steen in her campaign to seek nomination for the Presidency of Ireland".

"Maria Steen has long been a courageous and principled voice in Irish public life. Her unwavering commitment to the values of faith, family, and constitutional integrity has resonated with many across the country who feel politically homeless and unheard.

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"Her leadership during the recent referendums on the definition of family and care within the Constitution was particularly outstanding. Maria stood firmly for the dignity of motherhood and the importance of recognising the unique role of women in the home. Her clear, articulate advocacy helped galvanise public support for the 'No' campaign, which ultimately led to a decisive rejection of both proposed amendments by the Irish people. She rightly described the result as “a victory for common sense”.

Steen is a member of the Iona Institute, a socially conservative organisation that advocates the advancement and promotion of the Christian religion and what it sees as the religion's social and moral values.

She campaigned against referendums on same-sex marriage and abortion in Ireland in the 2010s and opposed the referendums on family and care in 2024.

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"In a time when political discourse is increasingly dominated by narrow consensus, Maria offers a refreshing and necessary alternative," McGrath's statement continued.

"Her campaign is rooted in the belief that the Presidency should reflect the full spectrum of Irish life, including those whose convictions are often sidelined.

"I am proud to nominate Maria Steen for the Presidency. It is a privilege to stand behind a candidate who speaks with clarity, courage, and compassion. I believe she has the potential to bring dignity, substance, and balance to the office of Uachtarán na hÉireann.

"I encourage my colleagues in the Oireachtas and across local authorities to give serious consideration to supporting Maria’s nomination. Let us ensure that the Irish people are offered a real choice in this election."

The eight Oireachtas members who have publicly declared their support for Steen at the time of writing are Aontú leader Paedar Toibín, Mattie McGrath, Joe Conway, Paul Lawless, Ronan Mullins, Carol Nolan, Sharon Keogan and Sarah O’Reilly

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