Ireland Elects New President: Catherine Connolly Leads in Initial Count

Strategic Insights -

Voters in Ireland were choosing a new president on Saturday, with left-wing independent Catherine Connolly initially taking the lead over center-right candidate Heather Humphreys. The two women were the only contenders in the election, with Connolly garnering support from a range of left-leaning parties. As the country's 10th president, Connolly would be the third woman to hold the post and would succeed Michael D. Higgins, who has been president since 2011. The final result will be declared later Saturday once all 43 electoral constituencies across the country have completed counting.

Key Takeaways:

  • Catherine Connolly, a 68-year-old former barrister, is initially leading in the presidential election with early tallies suggesting a significant lead.
  • Connolly has garnered support from left-leaning parties, including Sinn Féin, the Labour Party, and the Social Democrats, who are backing her as a candidate.
  • Heather Humphreys, a 64-year-old from the center-right party Fine Gael, is running a pro-business and pro-EU campaign, emphasizing her ability to unite the country.
  • The Irish president serves as a ceremonial head of state, hosting visiting heads of state and playing an important constitutional role, but does not have the power to shape laws or policies.
  • The winner will be the 10th president of Ireland and the third woman to hold the post, succeeding Michael D. Higgins who has been president since 2011.
  • Jim Gavin, the candidate for Prime Minister Micheál Martin's Fianna Fail party, quit the race three weeks before the election over a long-ago financial dispute.

Statistics:

  • 43 electoral constituencies across Ireland are counting votes in the presidential election.
  • Catherine Connolly is the 68-year-old former barrister who is initially leading in the election.
  • Heather Humphreys is running a pro-business and pro-EU campaign, which is 6-year younger than Catherine Connolly's campaign.
  • The winner of the election will be the 10th president of Ireland.
  • The Irish president serves for a maximum of two seven-year terms.

Sources:

  • The Associated Press. "Ireland Elects New President: Catherine Connolly Leads in Initial Count". 2025. (Original source)