Leftwing independent candidate Catherine Connolly has won a landslide victory in Ireland's presidential election, securing 63% of first preference votes. The 68-year-old former barrister and independent MP from Galway will become the republic's 10th president, defeating Fine Gael's Heather Humphreys, who took 29% of the vote.
Connolly pledged to be a 'president for all', advocating for peace, neutrality, and action on climate change. 'I will be a voice for peace, a voice that builds on our policy of neutrality, a voice that articulates the existential threat posed by climate change,' she said at Dublin Castle after her victory was confirmed.
Turnout was low at 46%, with a record 213,738 spoiled votes, reflecting frustration over limited choice. Connolly's triumph was seen as a rebuke to the centre-right government, fueled by anger over the housing crisis and cost of living, as well as effective use of social media to engage younger voters.
Connolly, who has accused the UK and US of enabling genocide in Gaza, plans to ringfence Irish neutrality from what she calls western 'militarism'. Critics have depicted her as a radical who could damage relations with Washington and European allies, but she has promised to respect the limits of the largely ceremonial office.
President Michael D Higgins, who has served for 14 years, congratulated Connolly in a phone call, offering the full support of his office as she prepares for her inauguration next month.
