Jeremy Corbyn Hails Catherine Connolly's Presidential Election Victory in Ireland

Catherine Connolly has made history by becoming the tenth Irish president, with 63% of the first-preference votes, a landslide victory that is being hailed as a boost for reunification. The win has been perceived as a significant development in Ireland's politics, with Connolly's supporters hailing her as a champion of peace, social justice, and a united Ireland. However, her appointment has also raised concerns in London due to her positions on Ukraine, Gaza, and a united Ireland. Despite the controversy, Connolly has pledged to use her voice as president to push for a united Ireland and has criticized Sir Keir Starmer for his stance on Gaza.

Key Takeaways:

Catherine Connolly won the presidential election with 63% of the first-preference votes, becoming the tenth Irish president.
The election was marked by a record number of spoilt ballots, with 213,000 votes cast incorrectly.
Connolly has pledged to be a president who "listens, reflects, and speaks when necessary," and to be a "voice for peace" in Ireland.
Her appointment is being viewed with concern in London due to her positions on Ukraine, Gaza, and a united Ireland.
Connolly has been backed by Sinn Fein and the Northern Irish rappers Kneecap, who urged their fans to vote for her.
Sinn Fein's president Mary Lou McDonald has suggested that Connolly's win was due in part to the support of her party during the election campaign.
Connolly is a 68-year-old former barrister and Labour councillor who has served as an independent MP since 2016.
The Irish prime minister, Micheal Martin, has described Connolly's win as an "outstanding honour".

Statistics:

63% of first-preference votes went to Catherine Connolly, making hers a landslide victory.
213,000 ballots were spoilt during the election, a record number.
68 is the age of Catherine Connolly, the new Irish president.

Sources:

BBC News
The Guardian
RTÉ News