Catherine Connolly Wins Ireland's Presidential Election

Strategic Insights -

Catherine Connolly, an independent politician, has secured Ireland's 10th presidency, winning 63.36% of the first preference votes in a landslide victory. Supported by left-wing parties, including Sinn Fein, Connolly competed with Fine Gael's Heather Humphreys, a former government minister, in the election. The results were announced on Saturday evening, with Connolly receiving 914,143 first preference votes.

Key Takeaways:

  • Catherine Connolly, a 68-year-old independent politician, won the presidential election in Ireland with 63.36% of the first preference votes.
  • Connolly, backed by left-wing parties, including Sinn Fein, competed with Fine Gael's Heather Humphreys, a former government minister.
  • The results show a landslide victory for Connolly, as predicted by opinion polls, with 914,143 first preference votes.
  • Heather Humphreys congratulated Connolly on becoming "a president for all of us" on Saturday afternoon before the full results were released.
  • A third candidate, Fianna Fail-backed Jim Gavin, withdrew from the race earlier in October following a controversy over a rental dispute.
  • Catherine Connolly has served as a member of parliament for the Galway West constituency since 2016 and previously worked as a psychologist and barrister.
  • Connolly became the deputy speaker of the parliament's lower house in 2020, the first woman to hold the post.
  • Catherine Connolly will be sworn in to succeed incumbent President Michael D. Higgins, who is set to complete his second term in November.

Statistics:

  • 63.36%: The percentage of first preference votes won by Catherine Connolly in the presidential election.
  • 914,143: The number of first preference votes received by Catherine Connolly in the election.
  • 29.46%: The percentage of first preference votes won by Heather Humphreys, the Fine Gael candidate.
  • October 25, 2025: The date of the official results release, announcing Catherine Connolly's victory.

Sources:

  • "Catherine Connolly wins Ireland's presidential election." Xinhua, October 25, 2025 (COMTEX via XINHUA via COMTEX).
  • COMTEX_469812961/2084/2025-10-25T15:41:32.