There was an anti-Catholic bias in the drive by some to prevent Maria Steen from getting on the Presidential ballot paper, according to Ms Steen herself.

Writing in the Irish Catholic, Ms Steen described a cartel-like opposition from the main parties, left and right, and even among some ‘independents’ to someone from outside the establishment running for President.

“I think it is important that I note the anti-Catholic bias that exists within the establishment”, she said.

“I have never hidden my views or the fact that I am a practising Catholic. I go to Mass, say my prayers and try to raise my children to be good citizens. I don’t think that makes me extreme. I am pro-life; as a general rule, I think that we should not kill other human beings. I don’t think that makes me extreme. I think marriage is a good thing for individuals, for children, and for society and that children have a right – as far as possible – to be brought up by their own parents. I don’t think that makes me extreme”.

“And yet people like me are regarded with suspicion and treated by the establishment not merely as unfit for office, but as unfit even to be permitted to run for office”.