In a historic political upset, left-wing independent candidate Catherine Connolly was on Saturday declared the winner of Ireland’s presidential election, securing a commanding victory over her centrist opponent, Heather Humphreys.
Connolly, 68 — a seasoned lawyer, lawmaker, and outspoken critic of both the United States and the European Union — won over 63 percent of the votes, compared to Humphreys’ 29.5 percent, in an election marked by an unusually high number of spoiled ballots and voter discontent over the lack of right-wing representation.
Nearly 13 percent of the 1.65 million ballots were declared invalid — the highest rate of spoiled votes recorded in a modern Irish election. Analysts said the figure reflected a wave of protest among voters frustrated by issues such as immigration, housing, and crime.
In her victory speech, Connolly described her win as a “privilege to serve the people of Ireland,” pledging to govern inclusively.
“For those who didn’t vote for me and those who spoiled their votes: let me tell you, I will be an inclusive president to listen to all of you,” she said.
Connolly vowed to be “a voice for peace” and to uphold Ireland’s policy of neutrality, adding that she would also “articulate the existential threat posed by climate change.”
Though the Irish presidency is largely ceremonial, Connolly’s election could signal potential tension with the current government over her outspoken leftist and anti-establishment views.
Prime Minister Micheál Martin, leader of Fianna Fáil, congratulated Connolly for what he described as an “impactful campaign,” saying:
“I look forward to working with the new President as Ireland continues to play a significant role on the global stage.”
Spoiled Votes and Public Discontent
The campaign had been marred by calls from conservative figures urging citizens to “spoil their votes” in protest at the limited choice between two main contenders.
Like the United Kingdom, Ireland has grappled with growing polarization over asylum seekers and immigration, which has at times led to violent demonstrations near housing facilities for migrants.
Connolly will officially assume office next month, succeeding President Michael D. Higgins, 84, who has served since 2011.
Several celebrities — including Conor McGregor, Bob Geldof, and Michael Flatley — were rumored to be considering a run but never launched official campaigns.
A conservative Catholic hopeful also failed to make the ballot after being unable to secure sufficient parliamentary endorsements, sparking anger over nomination rules and fueling the protest-vote movement.
One Fianna Fáil candidate who withdrew late still appeared on the ballot, garnering about 7 percent of the vote, even after exiting the race weeks before polling day.
Despite voter frustration, turnout reached nearly 46 percent, slightly higher than in the 2018 election — a sign that public engagement in Ireland’s political future remains strong.
A Shift in Ireland’s Political Landscape
Connolly, backed by Sinn Féin and other left-leaning parties, rose sharply in polls in the final weeks of the campaign. Political observers say her victory represents a broader shift toward the left and a growing challenge to Ireland’s long-dominant centrist blocs — Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil.
Professor Lisa Keenan of Trinity College Dublin said the election outcome showed that Ireland’s left-wing parties are uniting to “end the dominance” of traditional political powerhouses.
“Their ultimate aim is to exclude them from government for the first time in the history of the state,” she noted.
Connolly, a fluent Irish-language speaker and vocal pro-Palestinian advocate, has also championed the reunification of Ireland and Northern Ireland, while expressing unease over Europe’s increasing militarization.
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald praised Connolly’s victory as proof that “an alternative beyond the old politics” is possible.
“It is certainly my hope and desire that we can drive this politics of optimism, of hope, of activism from the grassroots forward,” McDonald said.
Connolly’s triumph, while largely symbolic, marks a transformative moment for Ireland — a country increasingly divided over identity, global alliances, and social policy — and sets the stage for a new era of progressive leadership at the nation’s highest symbolic office.
AFP
