LGBTQ+ ally Catherine Connolly elected President of Ireland

Catherine Connolly, a left-wing independent and outspoken LGBTQ+ ally, has been elected President of Ireland in a landslide victory, marking a seismic shift in the country’s political landscape. Connolly, 68, secured over 63% of first-preference votes, defeating her centre-right rival Heather Humphreys of Fine Gael, and becoming Ireland’s 10th president and the third woman to hold the office.

A former barrister and clinical psychologist from Galway, Connolly has long been a prominent figure in Irish politics, serving as a Teachta Dála (TD) since 2016 and as Deputy Speaker of the Dáil from 2020. Her campaign, rooted in themes of inclusivity, neutrality, and social justice, resonated deeply with voters across the country. Backed by a coalition of left-leaning parties including Sinn Féin, the Labour Party, and the Social Democrats, Connolly’s candidacy was seen as a unifying force for progressive politics in Ireland.

In her victory speech at Dublin Castle, Connolly pledged to be “an inclusive president for all,” vowing to listen to every citizen regardless of how they voted. “We can shape a new republic together,” she declared, emphasising her commitment to diversity, peace, and Ireland’s longstanding policy of military neutrality.

Connolly’s campaign was notable not only for its grassroots momentum but also for her unapologetic stance on global issues. She was particularly vocal in her criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza, describing the situation as a “normalisation of genocide” and calling for Ireland to uphold its humanitarian principles. 

Her presidency, though largely ceremonial, is expected to carry symbolic weight. As the only national office directly elected by the people, the role of president allows Connolly to act as a moral compass for the nation, representing Ireland on the world stage and advocating for causes close to her heart, including climate action, disability rights and LGBTQ+ rights.