Left-wing independent Catherine Connolly, who secured the backing of Ireland's left-leaning parties, has won the country's presidential election in a landslide victory.

Connolly won 63 per cent of first-preference votes, defeating her rival Heather Humphreys, of the centre-right party Fine Gael.

The 68-year-old president-elect said she would champion diversity and be a voice for peace and one that "builds on our policy of neutrality".

Connolly is well-known for being outspoken in criticising Israel over the war in Gaza.

In Ireland, the president's role is not that of an executive office or a policymaker, but it is the only national office elected directly by citizens.

So who is she and what role will she play on a global stage?

Who is Catherine Connolly?

Catherine Connolly is a form

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