Catherine Connolly Wins Irish Presidency, Becomes Third Woman to Hold Office
Left-leaning independent Catherine Connolly won the Irish presidential election with 63% of first-preference votes, becoming the third woman president and succeeding Michael D. Higgins, despite high spoiled ballots.
Left-leaning independent Connolly wins Irish presidential election
Washington Examiner
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Overview
- Left-leaning independent Catherine Connolly secured victory in the Irish presidential election, winning with 63% of first-preference votes.
- Connolly is set to become Ireland's next president, succeeding Michael D. Higgins, and will be the third woman to hold the largely ceremonial head of state position.
- Rival Heather Humphreys conceded defeat before vote counting concluded, while Prime Minister Micheál Martin congratulated Connolly on her decisive win.
- Connolly garnered strong backing from Ireland's left-leaning parties, including Sinn Féin, reflecting her political stance and criticisms of the EU and Israel's war in Gaza.
- The election also saw a significantly higher than normal number of spoiled ballots reported by the electoral commission, adding a notable detail to the outcome.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover the Irish presidential election neutrally, focusing on factual reporting of Catherine Connolly's landslide victory. They present key statistics, candidate backgrounds, and the ceremonial yet influential nature of the presidency without employing loaded language or selective emphasis to sway opinion, ensuring a balanced account of the event.
Articles (10)
FAQ
Catherine Connolly is a left-leaning independent, advocating for equality, accountability, and the rights of marginalized groups. Her campaign focused on being a president for
Connolly's victory was decisive due to a strong 63% first-preference vote, reflecting broad public support. The high number of spoiled ballots, while notable, did not change the outcome but highlights greater-than-usual voter dissatisfaction or confusion in the electoral process.
Connolly has served as an Independent TD for Galway West since 2016, was Leas-Cheann Comhairle of the Dáil, and was previously Mayor of Galway. She also chaired the Committee on the Irish Language, the Gaeltacht and the Islands and has a background as a clinical psychologist and barrister. This experience underpins her reputation for integrity, community engagement, and advocating for Irish language and social issues.
Catherine Connolly received backing from all major left-leaning parties in the Oireachtas, including the Social Democrats, Labour, People Before Profit-Solidarity, the Green Party, and Sinn Féin, reflecting her broad appeal across Ireland’s political left.
Catherine Connolly is the third woman to serve as President of Ireland, following Mary Robinson and Mary McAleese. Her election marks progress in gender representation at the highest levels of Irish political life, though the role remains largely ceremonial.
History
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