Wealth Pakistan International Desk
DUBLIN, Oct 25 (Reuters) — Catherine Connolly, a veteran left-wing lawmaker, has won Ireland’s presidency by a landslide, marking a major blow to the re-elected centre-right coalition.
Connolly, 68, is a long-time critic of the European Union and one of the Irish parliament’s leading pro-Palestinian voices. Supported by several left-leaning opposition parties, she was little known at the start of the campaign but steadily gained support among younger and independent voters.
Landslide win for independent candidate
Connolly secured 63.4 percent of the vote, defeating former cabinet minister Heather Humphreys, who received 29.5 percent. The victory continues Ireland’s pattern of choosing independent-minded presidents.
In her victory speech at Dublin Castle, Connolly said she wanted to be “a president who listens, who reflects, and who speaks when it’s necessary.” She added that Ireland could “shape a new republic that values everybody.”
Although largely ceremonial, the presidency holds moral weight and symbolic influence. The president can refer legislation to the Supreme Court and often plays a diplomatic role in representing Ireland abroad.
Divided left gains new energy
Connolly’s triumph has energised Ireland’s fragmented left-wing parties. Her win has sparked hope for a stronger left bloc that could challenge the century-long dominance of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.
However, analysts caution that maintaining unity will be difficult as the next parliamentary election approaches, likely before 2030. A polling-day survey by Ireland Thinks found that only 51 percent of Connolly’s voters would back a broader left-wing alliance in a general election.
Labour Party leader Ivana Bacik said her party would remain cautious about joining a coalition led by Sinn Féin, Ireland’s largest opposition group.
Ruling coalition struggles amid scandals
Connolly’s victory was helped by weak campaigns from both governing parties. Fine Gael’s candidate, Heather Humphreys, was not the party’s first choice. Fianna Fáil’s original nominee, former Gaelic football coach Jim Gavin, withdrew after a financial scandal, leaving the coalition divided and demoralised.
Meanwhile, a record 13 percent of voters spoiled their ballots, partly as a protest after a conservative activist failed to qualify for the race due to insufficient parliamentary backing.
Prime Minister Micheál Martin said the government would review the nomination process for future presidential candidates to make it more inclusive.
Critic of the EU and Western powers
Connolly is known for her outspoken criticism of the European Union’s military policies. She has questioned plans to increase defence spending and expressed scepticism toward the roles of the United States, Britain, and France in the Gaza conflict.
Despite her Eurosceptic views, her strong support for Palestinian rights resonates with a broad segment of Irish society and aligns with the government’s own position.
A former clinical psychologist and barrister, Connolly entered parliament in 2016 and later served as deputy speaker of the lower house. Her rise to the presidency underscores Irish voters’ desire for independent, value-driven leadership.
This report was originally published by Reuters.