Far-Left Radical Wins Irish Presidential Election in Landslide

Catherine Connolly, a radical left-winger with a history of promoting a united Ireland and criticizing Israel's actions, has won the Irish presidential election in a decisive victory. Connolly, who has been likened to 'an Irish Jeremy Corbyn', secured a record 63% of first-preference votes, more than double the 29% secured by her rival, Heather Humphreys. Her election adds to the turbulence in Irish politics, with riots sparked by the alleged sexual assault of a 10-year-old girl outside a migrant hotel. Connolly's victory will send shockwaves through Western foreign ministries, particularly those of Washington and Britain, due to her hard-left and pro-unification views.

Key Takeaways:

• Connolly won a record 63% of first-preference votes, the highest ever in an Irish presidential election.
• Her victory was attributed to her ability to unite left-wing parties, including Sinn Fein, the Social Democrats, and Labour, behind her candidacy.
• Connolly's campaign was notable for its promotion of a united Ireland and criticism of Israel's actions, including accusing the country of behaving like a 'terrorist state'.
• The election saw an unprecedented number of deliberately spoiled voting papers, estimated to be around 13%, in protest at the country's migrant crisis.
• Turnout was 45% of 3.6 million eligible voters.
• Connolly's victory is seen as a blow to Ireland's center-right government and a reflection of growing discontent with the country's migrant crisis and rising cost of living.
• Connolly's campaign was backed by the controversial Belfast rap group Kneecap and Gerry Adams, a former leader of the Sinn Fein party.
• Connolly has promised to use her voice 'in every way possible' to achieve a united Ireland.

Statistics:

• 63%: The percentage of votes secured by Connolly, the highest ever in an Irish presidential election.
• 29%: The percentage of votes secured by her rival, Heather Humphreys.
• 13%: The estimated number of deliberately spoiled voting papers in protest at the country's migrant crisis.
• 45%: The turnout of the election, with 3.6 million eligible voters.
• 2006 or 2007: The year in which Hamas was last elected by the Palestinian people.
• 63%: Connolly's first-preference votes, in some areas of the country, were reportedly won in a landslide, with some exits polls suggesting that she won as much as 80% of the vote.

Sources:

• Catherine Connolly's campaign
• Irish Times
• Irish Times
• The Telegraph
• The Guardian