Newly elected President Catherine Connolly has been called on to condemn a video posted by supporter and former MEP Mick Wallace.
In celebration of the election result on Saturday, Mr Wallace posted an AI-generated video of Ms Connolly wearing a Tricolour balaclava and a Palestinian keffiyeh and holding up an AK-47.
Mr Wallace wrote on X: ‘Irish Mainstream Media did their utmost to protect the Establishment and the interests of Western Imperialism as they tried to undermine Catherine Connolly’s Presidential bid. They failed…’
A file photograph of Clare Daly, Catherine Connolly and Mick Wallace in January 2019. Pic: Gareth Chaney/Collins Photos
Fianna Fáil MEP Barry Andrews described the AI video as ‘shocking’.
He told the Extra.ie: ‘Catherine Connolly has said she wants to unite the people and be a President for everybody, and he [Mr Wallace] thinks this is an appropriate way to mark the occasion.
‘It does raise a concern about what type of Presidency we are going to be dealing with. I would like to see the President [Catherine Connolly] condemning this.’
Mick Wallace. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
The Dublin MEP also took issue with left-wing former TD Mr Wallace’s comments about the Irish media.
‘Attempts to delegitimise the media – because it doesn’t align with your political outlook – is the tactic of Nigel Farage and Donald Trump,’ said Mr Andrews.
‘Unfortunately, it has led to harm to certain journalists and has undermined democracy.’
Catherine Connolly. Pic: Conor O’Mearain/PA Wire
He added: ‘Other institutions of the State can begin to be eroded as a result. Catherine Connolly’s campaign needs to face up to this.’
A spokesman for Ms Connolly was approached for comment.