"Left-wing independent Catherine Connolly, 68, secured 63% of votes in a landslide election victory on Saturday, comfortably defeating her center-right rival, former Cabinet minister Heather Humphreys. The politician won after Ireland's left-leaning opposition parties, including Sinn Féin, united to back her, and she is expected to be a voice unafraid to challenge Ireland's center-right government."
"While Irish presidents hold a largely ceremonial role and do not have executive powers like shaping laws, they represent Ireland on the world stage and are often seen as a unifying voice on major issues. Connolly will succeed Michael D. Higgins, a popular president who has been vocal about the war in Gaza and NATO spending, among other things. Connolly vowed Saturday to be "an inclusive president" who would champion diversity and be "a voice for peace.""
Catherine Connolly, a left-wing independent, won Ireland's presidency with 63% of the vote, defeating center-right rival Heather Humphreys. Left-leaning opposition parties, including Sinn Féin, united to back her, positioning her as an outspoken voice willing to challenge the center-right government. The Irish presidency is largely ceremonial without executive law-making powers, but carries international representation and moral leadership. Connolly will succeed Michael D. Higgins and has vowed to be "an inclusive president," championing diversity and promoting peace. Connolly has served three terms as an independent lawmaker for Galway West since 2016 and was the first woman deputy speaker in 2020.
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