Ireland has a new president—and her name is Catherine Connolly. In a stunning landslide, the outspoken left-wing independent swept to victory, signaling a dramatic shift in the country’s political landscape and igniting debate about the future direction of the Irish presidency.
A Historic Win: Connolly Becomes Ireland’s 10th President
Catherine Connolly, a 68-year-old former barrister and independent lawmaker, clinched the presidency after her only remaining rival, Heather Humphreys of Fine Gael, conceded defeat even before the final votes were tallied. Official results showed Connolly capturing a commanding
63% of first-preference votes, compared to Humphreys’
29%. This decisive margin marks one of the most emphatic victories in recent Irish presidential history.
Connolly will succeed Michael D. Higgins, who has served as president since 2011 and reached the end of his maximum two-term limit. She becomes only the third woman ever to hold the office, which, while largely ceremonial, carries significant symbolic weight in representing Ireland on the world stage.
The Campaign: Outsider Energy and a Call for Change
Connolly’s campaign was defined by her independent streak and willingness to challenge the status quo. She has been a vocal critic of Israel’s actions in Gaza and has warned against what she describes as the European Union’s growing “militarization” in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Her stance on neutrality resonated with many voters in a country with a long tradition of staying out of military alliances.
Her victory was buoyed by the backing of left-leaning parties, including Sinn Féin, Labour, and the Social Democrats, who saw her as a champion for diversity, peace, and a new kind of politics. “We have seen a real appetite for the change that Catherine represents,” said Labour Party leader Ivana Bacik, calling the result a sign that a center-left-led government could be on the horizon.
A Race Marked by Drama—and Disinformation
The election was not without controversy. Just days before the vote, a deepfake AI video falsely claiming Connolly had withdrawn from the race circulated online, which she denounced as “entirely false and malicious”. The incident highlighted growing concerns about misinformation and the role of technology in modern elections.
The field narrowed dramatically after Jim Gavin, the Fianna Fáil candidate and Prime Minister Micheál Martin’s preferred choice, withdrew over a past financial dispute. Although Gavin’s name remained on the ballot, he garnered only
7% of first-preference votes, leaving Connolly and Humphreys as the main contenders.
What’s Next: A President for “All of Us”
In her victory speech at Dublin Castle, Connolly pledged to be “an inclusive president for all of you” and to “build on our policy of neutrality”. She emphasized her commitment to championing diversity and being a voice for peace, promising to represent every Irish citizen regardless of political affiliation.
While the Irish presidency does not wield executive power, the president plays a crucial role in shaping national identity, hosting foreign dignitaries, and acting as a moral compass during times of crisis. Connolly’s critics warn that her outspoken views could risk alienating some of Ireland’s allies, but her supporters see her as a breath of fresh air in a political system hungry for change.
The Takeaway: A New Era for Ireland
Catherine Connolly’s victory is more than just a personal triumph—it’s a signal that Irish voters are ready for a new kind of leadership. As she prepares to take office, all eyes will be on how she navigates the ceremonial but influential role, and whether her presidency will pave the way for broader political transformation in Ireland.
Sources
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