I'd vote for overhaul as Aras race limps home

Straight talking...

- DANNY DE VAAL

AFTER a rake of pints, I usually ponder if I want to devour a Chinese or a chipper.

It's a tough decision because I know neither will completely satisfy or invigorate me.

But when my mind is made up, I don't dwell on it too much. I have more important things to think about - like what Netflix TV show to binge on.

Sadly, this is exactly the same way I feel about this year's presidential race. I'll cast my vote today and that'll be that.

The race hasn't really been a race at all. Independent Galway West TD Catherine Connolly bolted out of the traps in the summer and hasn't really looked back since.

In an ironic twist, former minister and hare-coursing supporter Heather Humphreys never really got off the starting box.

I have no doubt that Connolly will be the next President of Ireland - a realisation even Humphreys and her inner circle along with her core supporters have surely come to accept at this stage.

The Business Post/Red C poll published on Wednesday really drives home Connolly's lead - sitting comfortably on 44%, a clear 19 points ahead of Humphreys.

However, an Irish Times poll from October 16 paints the most stark picture - 49% of voters said they do not feel represented by either candidate.

A Connolly presidency feels all but confirmed but nothing in politics is ever guaranteed.