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Catherine Connolly Poised for Landslide Victory in Irish Presidential Election
Far-left independent Catherine Connolly set for a sweeping win in Ireland’s presidential race, securing over 60% of votes amid voter frustration with ruling parties.
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by Muhammad Hashir
2025-10-25
Catherine Connolly Poised for Landslide Victory in Irish Presidential Election

Veteran lawmaker Catherine Connolly, a far-left independent candidate, is on track for a landslide victory in Ireland’s presidential election, with early tallies showing her winning over 60% of the vote. The result marks a dramatic setback for the country’s governing coalition and a clear shift in voter sentiment toward progressive politics.

According to preliminary figures cited by officials from the ruling parties, Connolly — who was backed by the entire left-dominated opposition — has secured more than double the votes of her nearest rival, Heather Humphreys, a former cabinet minister representing the Fine Gael party.

Fine Gael General Secretary John Carroll told national broadcaster RTÉ that the data suggested Connolly was headed for a decisive victory.

“It does appear likely that Catherine Connolly will be elected, and we now move on to the job of working with her as a government,” said Higher Education Minister James Lawless of Fianna Fáil, the second-largest governing party.

A final result is expected later Saturday, but the outcome is already being viewed as a major rebuke to Ireland’s ruling establishment.

A Radical Voice in a Ceremonial Role

Connolly, 68, a former clinical psychologist and barrister, entered politics in 2016 and previously served as Deputy Speaker of Ireland’s lower house. While the Irish presidency is largely ceremonial, it holds significant symbolic influence — including the power to challenge legislation on constitutional grounds and to represent Ireland on the global stage.

Her campaign, which began as a long shot, gained traction through sharp criticism of government policy, especially on housing and social inequality — issues resonating deeply with younger voters and those struggling with Ireland’s housing crisis.

A Vocal Critic of the EU and Western Powers

Connolly’s foreign policy positions also distinguish her sharply from mainstream Irish politics. A longtime critic of the European Union, she has opposed moves to increase EU military spending and has questioned the trustworthiness of the United States, Britain, and France over their actions in the Gaza conflict.

She has even compared Germany’s rearmament spending to policies seen in the 1930s, remarks that drew both praise from anti-war voters and criticism from moderates.

Despite these controversial views, Connolly’s rise has reflected a broader anti-establishment mood and frustration with the ruling centre-right coalition, which has been plagued by internal strife. Fine Gael’s initial presidential candidate withdrew due to illness, while Fianna Fáil’s pick, former Gaelic football coach Jim Gavin, abandoned his campaign early amid a financial scandal.

A Shift in Ireland’s Political Mood

Connolly’s expected victory marks a historic moment in Irish politics — signaling not only a generational and ideological shift but also growing disillusionment with traditional parties. While the presidency holds limited executive power, her outspoken views and grassroots appeal are likely to reshape Ireland’s political discourse in the years ahead.

The formal declaration of results is anticipated later Saturday evening.
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IrishPolitics

IrelandElection

CatherineConnolly

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