Catherine Connolly Wins Landslide Victory to Become President of Ireland

Sat Dec 20 2025 14:19:56 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Catherine Connolly has made history as the 10th president of Ireland with a decisive win against Fine Gael's Heather Humphreys, pledging to be an inclusive leader for all.

In a remarkable political shift, Catherine Connolly has emerged as the new president of Ireland following an overwhelming victory in the recent elections. Securing 63% of the votes, she defeated her opponent Heather Humphreys, who quickly conceded. Connolly, a Galway native, promises to be an inclusive and listening president, bringing a focus on climate change and unity to her new role.

Catherine Connolly has been elected as the president of Ireland after a landslide victory.

She has become the 10th president of the Republic of Ireland after defeating Fine Gael's Heather Humphreys, who had already conceded to her rival.

The result, long clear from early tallies, was officially declared at Dublin Castle.

Connolly – an independent who was backed by the major left-wing parties – pledged to be an inclusive president for all in her acceptance speech.

The 68-year-old, from Galway, has been a TD (member of the Irish parliament) since 2016.

She secured 914,143 first preference votes (63%), the largest amount in Irish presidential election history.

Connolly made her acceptance speech first in Irish and then in English, stating, I will be a president who listens and reflects and who speaks when it's necessary.

I will be a voice for peace, a voice that builds on our policy of neutrality, a voice that articulates the existential threat posed by climate change, she emphasized.

Dublin correspondent Gabija Gataveckaite noted that Connolly was the anti-establishment candidate challenging Humphreys, the government’s choice.

After the announcement, Humphreys thanked everyone who voted for her and expressed her confidence that Connolly would be a president for all.

The president of Ireland acts as the head of state, influencing significant national and international events.

Connolly is scheduled to be inaugurated on 11 November, having received congratulatory messages from current president Michael D Higgins, who recognized the importance of Connolly's victory.

The election saw an unprecedented number of spoiled votes and a 46% turnout, underscoring ongoing political tensions within Irish democracy.

Overall, Connolly's election represents a significant change in Ireland's political landscape, establishing her as a candidate for unity and progress, with particular emphasis on addressing climate change and potential changes regarding the future of Northern Ireland.