London, Oct 26 (NationPress) The Independent politician Catherine Connolly has emerged victorious in Ireland's Presidential election, becoming the country's 10th President after securing 63.36% of first preference votes, as per the official results disclosed.

The 68-year-old candidate, who garnered 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, announced late Saturday night, indicate a significant victory for Connolly, consistent with predictions from opinion polls, totaling 914,143 first preference votes.

Humphreys, who received 29.46% of first preference votes, extended her congratulations to Connolly for becoming "a President for all of us" on Saturday afternoon, even before the complete results were available, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

A third contender, Jim Gavin, who was backed by Fianna Fail, withdrew from the race earlier in October due to a controversy surrounding a rental dispute.

Connolly has been a member of Parliament for the Galway West constituency since 2016 and previously worked as a psychologist and barrister.

She made history in 2020 by becoming the first woman to serve as the Deputy Speaker of the Parliament's Lower House.

Connolly will be sworn in to succeed the current President Michael D. Higgins, who will conclude his second consecutive seven-year term in November.

During her campaign, Connolly stated that she would adhere to the limitations of the office, a statement interpreted by some as a subtle indication to temper controversial opinions, though analysts anticipate potential tensions with the government.

Initially a marginal political figure when she announced her candidacy in July, Connolly gained support from smaller parties like the Social Democrats and People Before Profit. Subsequently, Labour endorsed her, while Sinn Fein chose not to present a candidate and directed its robust resources and electoral infrastructure to back Connolly.

Higgins, who has served as President for 14 years, congratulated Connolly in a phone conversation.

"The President-elect will receive the complete backing of this office as she readies for her inauguration next month," he stated.

While the Presidency is largely a ceremonial role, Connolly's triumph represents a significant challenge to the Centre-right government.