Independent leftwinger Catherine Connolly is expected to become Ireland's next head of state after a presidential election on Friday. The 68-year-old, little known a few months ago, has surged ahead in opinion polls, tapping into anger over the housing crisis and cost of living. Her campaign has been boosted by blunders from the ruling Fine Gael-Fianna Fáil coalition and rare unity among leftwing parties.
At a concert venue in Dublin on Monday night, a youthful crowd roared as Connolly took the stage. Speaking in Irish and English, she called for a republic that would never normalise genocide, homelessness or obscene waiting lists. The event, featuring musicians such as Christy Moore, felt like a victory party. Supporters like student Cian Murray, 22, said she offers a fresh perspective amid dissatisfaction with the government.
Connolly was born in Galway, one of 14 children raised by a carpenter father after her mother died when she was nine. She earned a master's in psychology from the University of Leeds, then a law degree, practising as a barrister and clinical psychologist. After a stint on Galway city council for Labour, she became an independent TD in 2016 and was elected deputy speaker of parliament in 2020.
However, her views have raised concerns. She has accused Nato of warmongering, likened German arms spending to the 1930s, voted against EU treaties, and called Hamas 'part of the fabric of the Palestinian people'. Critics compare her to Jeremy Corbyn. Opponents worry she could offend European allies or make gaffes with Donald Trump. Nearly half of voters feel unrepresented by either candidate, raising fears of low turnout and many spoilt ballots.
