What's happened
On October 25, 2025, Catherine Connolly, a left-wing independent backed by Sinn Féin and other parties, won Ireland's largely ceremonial presidency with 63% of the vote, defeating center-right Heather Humphreys. Connolly's outspoken views on Gaza, EU militarization, and Irish neutrality signal potential tensions with the government amid record spoiled ballots and low turnout.
What's behind the headline?
Connolly's Victory Signals a Shift in Irish Political Landscape
Catherine Connolly's decisive win with 63% of the vote marks a significant moment for Ireland's left-wing political forces, who united behind her candidacy. Despite the presidency's limited formal powers, Connolly's outspoken positions on contentious issues such as the Israel-Gaza conflict, EU militarization, and Irish neutrality suggest she will use the office as a platform to challenge the center-right government.
Potential Friction with Government
Her criticisms of Israel, including labeling its actions in Gaza as "genocide," and her reluctance to unequivocally condemn Hamas initially, have drawn rebuke from Prime Minister Micheál Martin and others. Connolly's stance on EU defense spending and NATO expansion contrasts with the government's pro-EU orientation, indicating possible diplomatic tensions.
Voter Discontent and Low Turnout
The election was marked by a record number of spoiled ballots and low turnout (45.9%), reflecting voter dissatisfaction with the limited candidate choices and broader political frustrations, including immigration and crime concerns. This discontent underscores a growing divide between the electorate and the traditional centrist parties.
Broader Implications
Connolly's presidency will likely embolden left-wing parties aiming to disrupt the long-standing dominance of Fine Gael and Fianna Fail. Her emphasis on social equality, inclusivity, and Irish reunification resonates with younger voters and cultural movements, potentially reshaping Ireland's political discourse.
Forecast
While Connolly must respect the ceremonial limits of her role, her vocal style and policy positions will likely provoke debate domestically and internationally. The government will need to navigate this new dynamic carefully to maintain cohesion and Ireland's diplomatic standing. The election outcome signals a shift toward more polarized politics and a challenge to the status quo.
What the papers say
The New York Times highlights Connolly's "blunt, unfiltered comments" and her record popular mandate, emphasizing her role as an outlier in Irish politics. The Japan Times and AP News provide detailed backgrounds on Connolly's career and her coalition support, noting the election's reflection of voter doubts about the coalition government. The Times of Israel and The New Arab focus on her controversial views on Israel and Gaza, quoting her references to Hamas and accusations against Israel, which have sparked criticism from Irish leaders. The South China Morning Post and The New Arab discuss the election's low turnout and record spoiled ballots, framing the result as a political earthquake and a sign of voter frustration. Politico offers a critical perspective on Connolly's foreign policy stances, warning of potential damage to Ireland's international reputation. Together, these sources paint a complex picture of a presidency that, while ceremonial, will be politically significant and potentially contentious.
How we got here
The 2025 Irish presidential election featured two main candidates after Fianna Fail's Jim Gavin withdrew amid scandal. Connolly, a former barrister and independent lawmaker since 2016, was supported by left-wing parties including Sinn Féin. The presidency is largely ceremonial but influential in representing Ireland internationally and voicing national conscience.
Go deeper
- What are Catherine Connolly's views on the Israel-Gaza conflict?
- How might Connolly's presidency affect Ireland's relationship with the EU?
- Why was voter turnout low and why were there many spoiled ballots?
Common question
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Who Is Leading Ireland’s Presidential Race and What Does It Mean?
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What Does Catherine Connolly's Presidency Mean for Ireland's Future?
Catherine Connolly's recent election as Ireland's president has sparked widespread interest and debate. As a left-wing independent backed by Sinn Féin and opposition parties, her victory signals potential shifts in Ireland's political landscape. Many are asking what her presidency could mean for Ireland's policies on neutrality, foreign relations, and domestic issues. Below, we explore the key questions about her background, views, and the possible impact of her presidency on Ireland's future.
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What Does Catherine Connolly's Win Mean for Ireland's Future?
Catherine Connolly's recent election victory as Ireland's president has sparked widespread interest and questions about its implications. While the presidency is largely ceremonial, her outspoken views on international issues and her coalition support suggest potential shifts in Ireland's political landscape. Below, we explore who she is, what her win signifies, and how it might influence Ireland's foreign policy and voter engagement.
More on these topics
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Catherine Connolly is an Irish Independent politician who has served as the Leas-Cheann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann since July 2020. She has been a Teachta Dála for the Galway West constituency since 2016.
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Ireland is an island in the North Atlantic. It is separated from Great Britain to its east by the North Channel, the Irish Sea, and St George's Channel.
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Heather Humphreys is an Irish Fine Gael politician who has served as Minister for Rural and Community Development and Minister for Social Protection since June 2020. She has been a Teachta Dála for the Cavan–Monaghan constituency since 2011.
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Michael Daniel Higgins is an Irish politician, poet, sociologist, and broadcaster, who has served as the ninth president of Ireland since November 2011. He served as a Teachta Dála for the Galway West constituency from 1981 to 1982 and 1987 to 2011.
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Fine Gael is a liberal-conservative political party in Ireland. Fine Gael is currently the third-largest party in Ireland in terms of members of Dáil Éireann and largest in terms of Irish members of the European Parliament.
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Bashar Hafez al-Assad is a Syrian politician who has been the President of Syria since 17 July 2000. In addition, he is commander-in-chief of the Syrian Armed Forces and Regional Secretary of the Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party's branch in Syria.
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The European Union is a political and economic union of 27 member states that are located primarily in Europe. Its members have a combined area of 4,233,255.3 km² and an estimated total population of about 447 million.
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Sinn Féin is a centre-left to left-wing Irish republican political party active in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.