#maria-steen

#maria-steen

The former Presidential hopeful also denied she had a more modest handbag ready in the event she did receive a presidential nomination Conservative campaigner Maria Steen has said the controversial handbag she carried during her concession speech for the Presidency did not cost close to the estimates circulating at the time. In September, the qualified barrister and architect spoke to reporters outside Leinster House sporting an expensive blue Hermès bag, which drew criticism from some commentators as being out of touch.

Positions held by conservative campaigner Maria Steen on a range of political and social issues, from Repeal to same-sex marriage, will be closely scrutinised by her opponents if she enters the presidential race.

Crucial swing bloc will not back her nomination until she secures at least 16 signatures. Conservative activist Maria Steen suffered a major blow to her ­presidential hopes last night, just hours after announcing on the plinth at Leinster House that she had 10 Oireachtas backers and that her campaign was under way. Michael Collins, leader of Independent Ireland, said its crucial swing bloc of four votes would not consider backing Ms Steen until she had 16 signatures.