Maria Steen’s failed attempt to secure a place on the ballot for the presidential election—falling just two nominations short with 18 Oireachtas endorsements—has dominated headlines this week. In fact, her campaign has garnered more public interest than the three declared candidates so far.

After missing out on the ballot, Ms. Steen criticized what she described as an “oppressive political consensus.” However, some commentators accused her of being out of touch after she appeared for an interview outside Leinster House carrying a Hermès bag, which typically costs between €10,000 and €30,000.

Addressing the controversy in an interview with *The Irish Times*, Ms. Steen said the choice of handbag was intentional. She explained, “I wanted to expose the hypocrisy of the left who don’t love the poor; they just hate the rich.”

Ms. Steen also highlighted what she sees as a double standard regarding women in public life. She stated, “It is hypocritical for feminists to say they want more women in public life and then criticize a woman who happens to have the wrong values for carrying an expensive handbag. Nobody would ever question a man about the price of his car, his suit, or whether he’s wearing an expensive watch, but if a woman carries an expensive handbag, that’s all the news.”

In a wide-ranging discussion with journalist Ellen Coyne, Ms. Steen also reflected on the challenges she faced during her campaign. She spoke about her difficulties reaching certain TDs and senators, debated whether she should have sought support from local authorities, and opened up about her falling out with Senator Michael McDowell.
https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/maria-steen-says-she-used-hermes-bag-to-expose-hypocrisy-of-the-left-1811843.html