#irish-politics

#irish-politics

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.

Fianna Fáil TD James O'Connor was given a verbal thick ear on RTÉ by his party leader for claiming Mr Martin behaved like France's Le Roi Soleil (Sun King). Mr Martin was selflessly not setting his sights on a similar reign of 72 years - the longest of any monarch in history. Therefore, the TD had to be bang out of order - his party leader he did not rule from a gilded throne, nor was he ever a top-down leader.

Former Fine Gael minister said 'smear the bejaysus' out of Catherine Connolly, but never mentioned own role in Áras campaign Pundit has been working with Micheál Martin's party on media training for politicians since last year's elections

Today's election is another example of discrimination against this dismissed and disadvantaged group

The oh-so-quiet voice of Connolly has won out, while Humphreys was left looking like a frightened 'Winning Streak' contestant

I knew Heather a very long time as a TD but also across her various ministerial portfolios, especially during her time in Enterprise, where I witnessed first-hand how she represented Ireland at home and abroad with great distinction," Mr Gallagher added.

An absence of cost-of-living supports, disappointment at the hike to vapes and no help for the average worker were among the issues raised by Irish Independent readers as you reacted to Budget 2026.

Fragmented group will struggle to find singular voice as parties disagree over candidate's comments on Hamas When she launched her campaign in front of a jubilant crowd on Monday night, Catherine Connolly stood on stage holding hands with a group of six other leaders of the left. It was hailed as not just a passing moment of unity, but a sign that the fragmented group of left-wing parties in the Dáil could work cohesively and comfortably together

Fragmented group will struggle to find singular voice as parties disagree over candidate's comments on Hamas

'Some encouraged me, others said stay the course [as Sinn Féin president]' - Mary Lou McDonald Sinn Féin leader still does not definitively say if party will have their own candidate - or if they will back Catherine Connolly Fine Gael's Heather Humphreys to kickstart her campaign next week Fianna Fáil to vote for their presidential candidate tomorrow

Bride Rosney sent Fianna Fáil's Padraig Flynn 40 red roses with a note reading: "Thank you, from the women of Ireland." This act symbolizes the collective empowerment felt during Mary Robinson's presidency.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has shown increasing irritation towards opposition leaders, frequently taunting them about their reluctance to participate in government, reflecting his frustration with the Dáil dynamics.

Teneo plays a key role in advising many of Ireland's most prominent organisations. I hope to bring my experience to help leaders navigate the new challenges ahead.