In a stunning political upset, independent left-wing TD Catherine Connolly smashed the vote on Saturday, claiming 63% of first-preference ballots to become Ireland’s tenth president. The 68-year-old former barrister and clinical psychologist now takes the reins from Michael D Higgins, promising a new direction for the nation.
Connolly Crushes Fine Gael Rival Heather Humphreys
Connolly obliterated Fine Gael’s Heather Humphreys, who limped home with just 29%. With a whopping 914,143 votes in her pocket, Connolly’s landslide victory was declared at Dublin Castle, earning praise from top politicians including Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris.
“She will be a president for all of us,” said Humphreys, conceding defeat and wishing Connolly luck.
Record-Breaking Spoiled Ballots Expose Voter Fury
The election also exposed deep public frustration. A record 213,738 ballots — nearly 13% — were spoiled, a tenfold spike since 2018. Electoral officials warned this trend was a “clear warning” of widespread dissatisfaction.
- Dublin North West topped the spoiled ballot charts with 20.5%.
- Many invalid votes featured protest notes like “not my president.”
- Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín admitted spoiling his own vote, dubbing the situation a “political earthquake.”
Firestorm Over Middle East Comments
Connolly’s campaign hit turbulence over her controversial remarks about the Middle East on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland. While condemning Hamas’s October 7 attacks, she slammed Israel’s actions, calling the state “terrorist” in behaviour.
“Both sides have committed war crimes,” Connolly said. “Hamas is part of the fabric of the Palestinian people.”
Government ministers slammed her words. Tánaiste Simon Harris branded Hamas a “despicable, illegal terrorist organisation.” Taoiseach Martin rejected any Hamas role in Gaza’s future. Connolly stood firm, warning against dictating governance to sovereign peoples.
Left-Wing Alliance Backs Connolly; Eyes on Irish Unity
Connolly’s election was fuelled by a rare coalition of leftist parties: Sinn Féin, Social Democrats, Labour, People Before Profit, and Greens. Sinn Féin’s Mary Lou McDonald called it a victory over “jaded politics.”
An ardent Irish unity supporter, Connolly wants a border poll under the Good Friday Agreement and opposes increasing EU military power. She’s set to follow Mary Robinson and Mary McAleese as Ireland’s third female president, likely serving a single term.
Filling the Shoes of a Popular Predecessor
Connolly steps into the role left by Michael D Higgins, who redefined the presidency from a purely ceremonial post to a powerful social voice over two terms since 2011. Higgins remains the Republic’s most beloved president.
Though mostly symbolic, the Irish presidency holds key constitutional powers such as referring legislation to the Supreme Court. Connolly’s inauguration is expected soon, marking the dawn of a bold new chapter for Irish politics.
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