Did Catherine Connolly Just Make History as Ireland's 10th President?
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Synopsis
Catherine Connolly has made history by winning Ireland's presidential election, becoming the country's first female president. With 63.36% of votes, she is set to lead with a vision of inclusivity and democracy. Discover how her victory reflects a shift in Irish politics.
Key Takeaways
- Catherine Connolly elected as 10th president of Ireland.
- Secured 63.36 percent of votes.
- First female president in Irish history.
- Background includes psychology and law.
- Calls for public engagement in shaping democracy.
London, Oct 26 (NationPress) Independent politician Catherine Connolly has emerged victorious in Ireland's presidential election, set to take office as the nation's 10th president after securing 63.36 percent of first preference votes, as per the official results released.
The 68-year-old, who received support from various left-wing parties, including Sinn Fein, faced off against Heather Humphreys from Fine Gael, a former government minister, in the election that commenced on Friday.
The results published on Saturday evening (local time) indicate a significant win for Connolly, aligning with expectations from opinion polls, with 914,143 first preference votes. Humphreys, who garnered 29.46 percent of the votes, extended her congratulations to Connolly on becoming "a president for all of us" on Saturday afternoon, prior to the final results being disclosed.
A third contender, Jim Gavin, backed by Fianna Fail, withdrew earlier in October following a dispute regarding rental issues, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Connolly has represented the Galway West constituency in parliament since 2016, with a background as a psychologist and barrister.
She made history as the first woman to serve as the deputy speaker of the lower house of parliament in 2020.
Connolly will officially take over from incumbent President Michael D. Higgins, who is concluding his second consecutive seven-year term in November.
Following her electoral success, she stated, "My message is to use your voice in every way you can, as a republic and a democracy thrive on constructive questioning. Together, we can create a new republic that values everyone."
Point of View
It's essential to recognize the significance of Catherine Connolly's win within the broader context of Irish politics. Her election reflects a growing demand for change and inclusivity in leadership. Connolly's commitment to engaging with the public and fostering a sense of community will be vital in shaping the future of Ireland, emphasizing the importance of democracy and representation.
NationPress
26/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Catherine Connolly?
Catherine Connolly is an independent politician who has been elected as Ireland's 10th president. She has served in parliament for the Galway West constituency since 2016.
What percentage of votes did Connolly receive?
Catherine Connolly received 63.36 percent of the first preference votes in the presidential election.
Who did Connolly compete against in the election?
Connolly competed against Heather Humphreys from Fine Gael and Jim Gavin from Fianna Fail, the latter of whom withdrew from the race.
What is Connolly's political background?
Connolly has a background as a psychologist and barrister and has been a member of parliament since 2016.
What did Connolly state after winning the election?
After her victory, Connolly urged citizens to use their voices, emphasizing the need for constructive questioning in a democracy.
