Early results from Ireland’s presidential election point to a clear victory for independent Catherine Connolly, a staunch defender of military neutrality and outspoken critic of EU policy.
Connolly, a 68-year-old barrister and member of Ireland’s parliament since 2016, is far ahead of her centre-right rival Heather Humphreys, from the governing party Fine Gael party.
With around half the votes counted, Connolly was above 60%, with Humphreys trailing at just below 30%.
The presidential role, which is mostly ceremonial, has been held by left-wing Michael D Higgins since 2011.
Connolly had the backing of several Irish left-wing parties, notable among which was Sinn Féin, which sits with The Left in the European Parliament.
Still, the two-horse presidential race has been marred by a very low turnout, with half of voters not showing up. The limited choice sparked discontent over the nomination process and led to a historically high rate of spoilt votes.
A third candidate, centrist Jim Gavin, quit the race weeks ago after reports he owed rent to a former tenant, yet his name remained on the ballot paper and still drew some votes.
The count began on Saturday morning and the final result is expected later in the evening.
Humphreys conceded in the afternoon, wishing her competitor all the best.
Prime Minister Micheál Martin was quick to congratulate Connolly. “It is clear she will be the next President of Ireland,” he posted on social media, expressing “no doubt” she would serve the country well.
Martin also pointed to Dublin’s upcoming EU presidency in the second half of 2026 and said he would cooperate with Connolly “as Ireland continues to play a significant role on the global stage.”
Meanwhile, Sinn Féin’s leader Mary Lou McDonald went further and said Connolly’s win was a victory for “equality, fairness, young people and reunification.”
A controversial, committed European
Connolly has long described the EU as neoliberal and undemocratic and has opposed Ireland’s ratification of several EU treaties.
Still, she insists that she is “a committed European”.
The president-elect mostly targets what she calls the EU’s growing militarisation, denouncing the “military-industrial complex in Germany” and even drawing parallels with the 1930s.
She said there were “many things to be worried about with Frau von der Leyen” and accused the Commissioner of standing “shoulder to shoulder” with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
While she “utterly condemned” Hamas as a terrorist organisation, Connolly drew criticism after saying that the group is still part of Palestinian civil society.
Asked about Russia’s war against Ukraine, Connolly called for a peace agreement and backed the EU’s sanctions against Moscow.
In her new role, Connolly will be tasked with hosting other heads of state and confirming that legislation complies with the Irish constitution.
Still, some predict her strong left-wing views on foreign policy, social justice and housing could cause friction with the conservative leaning coalition government.
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A deepfake video of Irish presidential candidate Catherine Connolly that went viral on social media…
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UPDATES: This article was updated to include the fact of Humphrey’s concession, and to add a reaction from the leader of Sinn Féin.
