Far-Left Politician Catherine Connolly Elected President of Ireland in Landslide Victory
DUBLIN, IRELAND — Catherine Connolly, a long-serving Irish lawmaker known for her left-wing political stance and outspoken views on global issues, has been elected as the new President of Ireland. The veteran politician secured a resounding victory on Saturday, marking a major shift in the country’s political landscape.
A Historic Win for the Far Left
Official election results showed Connolly winning 63% of first-preference votes after ineligible ballots were excluded. Her nearest rival, Heather Humphreys of the centre-right Fine Gael party, received only 29%.
The presidential role in Ireland is mostly ceremonial, yet Connolly’s landslide victory highlights growing public support for independent and left-leaning voices. The 68-year-old independent candidate managed to build a strong base of young and progressive voters, despite not being a household name at the start of her campaign.
Controversial Views on Israel and Hamas
Connolly’s political rise has not been without controversy. She previously described Hamas as “part of the fabric of the Palestinian people” — a comment that drew sharp criticism from Taoiseach Micheál Martin and other leaders.
Following backlash, Connolly clarified that she “utterly condemned” Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel, calling them “absolutely unacceptable.” However, she has remained firm in her criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, accusing the country of committing “genocide” — a claim strongly denied by Israel.
In a June campaign video, Connolly went further, describing Israel as a “terrorist state” and calling for recognition of Palestinian suffering. She also criticised Israel’s strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities and broader Middle East policies.
Connolly’s Stance on Global and EU Issues
A noted Eurosceptic, Connolly has long challenged European Union policies, particularly regarding increased military spending. She has also questioned the reliability of Western powers like the United States, Britain, and France, accusing them of double standards in their response to the Gaza conflict.
Her views place her further left than many of her political supporters — and even her predecessor, Michael D. Higgins, a known critic of Israeli policy who served as president from 2011 to 2025.
A Promise of a “Listening Presidency”
In her victory speech at Dublin Castle, Connolly pledged to represent all citizens with fairness and empathy:
“I will be a president who listens, who reflects, and who speaks when it’s necessary. Together we can shape a new republic that values everybody.”
Connolly emphasised unity, social equality, and environmental responsibility, promising to focus her presidency on the “well-being of the Irish people and the planet.”
The Role and Symbolism of Ireland’s Presidency
While the Irish presidency carries limited executive power, it holds significant symbolic and moral authority. The president can:
Test the constitutionality of new laws
Represent Ireland on the world stage
Promote national dialogue and social inclusion
Connolly’s election represents the continuation of Ireland’s trend toward independent, socially conscious presidents — and a rebuke of traditional party politics.
Political Fallout for the Ruling Coalition
Connolly’s victory also reflects growing dissatisfaction with Ireland’s centre-right coalition government. Both Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil suffered weak campaigns:
Fine Gael’s candidate, Heather Humphreys, was not the party’s first choice.
Fianna Fáil’s intended nominee, former Gaelic football coach Jim Gavin, withdrew following a financial scandal.
A record 13% of ballots were spoiled, partly due to a protest over the exclusion of conservative activist candidates.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin acknowledged the government’s defeat, congratulating Connolly on her “very comprehensive victory” and expressing readiness to collaborate as Ireland prepares to host the EU presidency in late 2026.
A Milestone Moment for Ireland
Catherine Connolly now becomes Ireland’s 10th president and the third woman to hold the office. A former clinical psychologist and barrister, she has served as a member and deputy speaker of the Dáil (Irish parliament) since 2016.
Her presidency symbolises a turning point for Ireland — one that amplifies independent voices, questions establishment narratives, and reflects the evolving mood of the Irish electorate.
Sources:
The Irish Times
BBC News
The Guardian
RTÉ News
The Times of Israel
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