Ireland's president-elect is a left-wing, anti-establishment figure who is outspoken on Gaza

Ireland's president-elect is a left-wing, anti-establishment figure who is outspoken on Gaza

The Associated Press

October 27, 2025 / 8:40 am

LONDON — Ireland's president for the next seven years is an independent lawmaker who has long spoken in support of Palestinians and has been vocal about her distrust of European Union policies.

Left-wing independent Catherine Connolly, 68, secured 63% of votes in a landslide election victory on Saturday, comfortably defeating her center-right rival, former Cabinet minister Heather Humphreys.

The politician won after Ireland's left-leaning opposition parties, including Sinn Féin, united to back her, and she is expected to be a voice unafraid to challenge Ireland's center-right government.

While Irish presidents hold a largely ceremonial role an