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Presidential elections

Catherine Connolly Set to Become Ireland's New President by a Landslide Margin

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Catherine Connolly, a veteran Left-winger, is poised to become Ireland's president with a significant majority, after her only rival conceded in the presidential election. The 68-year-old independent candidate, supported by an alliance of Left-wing opposition parties, including Sinn Féin, had been the clear favourite throughout the campaign. With an incomplete tallying of votes, it is likely that Ms. Connolly will win more than double the votes of her nearest rival. Her presidential campaign was marked by controversy, with the candidate advocating for a united Ireland and criticizing Israel's actions in Gaza.

Key Takeaways:

  • Catherine Connolly, a veteran Left-winger, is set to become Ireland's president with a significant majority.
  • She is an independent candidate supported by an alliance of Left-wing opposition parties, including Sinn Féin.
  • Her nearest rival, Heather Humphreys, conceded defeat on Saturday, congratulating Ms. Connolly on her victory.
  • Jim Gavin, the Fine Gael candidate, pulled out of the race due to an old debt of €3,300 owed to a tenant, but his name still appeared on the ballot papers.
  • The election saw a record number of spoilt ballots and a low turnout.
  • Catherine Connolly is a staunch advocate of a united Ireland and has criticized Israel's actions in Gaza.
  • She attributes Nato's "warmongering" to Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine.
  • Ms. Connolly's campaign was marked by controversy, with her strong opinions on key issues.

Statistics:

  • The number of spoilt ballots in the election was a record high (no specific number mentioned).
  • The turnout in the election was low (no specific percentage mentioned).
  • Catherine Connolly is likely to win more than double the votes of her nearest rival (no specific number mentioned).
  • Jim Gavin owed €3,300 to a tenant, who had overpaid rent.
  • Early counting showed Ms. Connolly was on course for a landslide victory.

Sources:

  • PA Wire (no date mentioned)
  • Catherine Connolly's presidential campaign website (no date mentioned)
  • Sinn Féin's website (no date mentioned)
  • Fine Gael's website (no date mentioned)

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