Veteran lawmaker Catherine Connolly, a prominent figure on the far-left of Irish politics, appears set to be elected Ireland’s next president, as early vote counts show her holding a commanding lead. Members of the governing parties have conceded defeat, signaling a likely victory for the 68-year-old independent candidate.
Connolly, a long-time critic of the European Union in a country that is overwhelmingly pro-EU, was not widely known to the public at the outset of the campaign. Nevertheless, her message resonated with voters, and she has received broad backing from left-wing parties and independents.
“It does appear likely that Catherine Connolly will be elected and we now move on to the job of working with her as a government,” said Higher Education Minister James Lawless, a member of the Fianna Fáil party, in remarks to national broadcaster RTE.
Ireland’s presidency is largely ceremonial, with limited powers, including the ability to refer legislation to the Supreme Court for constitutional review.
Education Minister Helen McEntee also acknowledged Connolly’s strong showing, while Fine Gael’s candidate Heather Humphreys remained the only other active contender. Fianna Fáil’s nominee had withdrawn from the race early in the campaign. Labour Party leader Ivana Bacik, who supported Connolly alongside the broader left-wing opposition, described her victory as “almost certain.”
Connolly, a former clinical psychologist and barrister, first entered parliament in 2016 and has served as a deputy speaker of the lower house. Speaking briefly at her local County Galway count centre, she thanked supporters and pledged to represent all citizens.
