Catherine Connolly has been elected as the 10th President of Ireland after securing a majority of first preference votes. The official result was declared at Dublin Castle.
Election Outcome
Catherine Connolly was officially declared the President of Ireland following her victory over Fine Gael's Heather Humphreys, who had previously conceded. Ms. Connolly, an independent candidate who received backing from major left-wing parties, will assume office as the 10th president, succeeding Michael D. Higgins, who served the maximum two terms.
Candidate Profile
Ms. Connolly, 68, from Galway, has served as a TD (member of the Irish parliament) since 2016. Her professional background includes roles as a psychologist and barrister.
Vote Details
Ms. Connolly secured 914,143 first preference votes, which constitutes the largest amount in Irish presidential election history. When spoiled votes were excluded, Heather Humphreys received 29% of first preference votes. Fianna Fáil's Jim Gavin, who withdrew from the race but remained on the ballot, garnered 7% of first preference votes. The election saw 213,738 spoiled votes and a voter turnout of 46%.
Acceptance Speech
In her acceptance speech, delivered in both Irish and English, Ms. Connolly stated her intention to be "an inclusive president for all." She articulated her commitment to being "a president who listens and reflects and who speaks when it's necessary." Her address also highlighted aims to be "a voice for peace," to support Ireland's policy of neutrality, to address "the existential threat posed by climate change," and to acknowledge work undertaken across the country.