Catherine Connolly will become a left-wing independent from Ireland the next president after his opponent conceded defeat in the country’s presidential election on Saturday.
Vote counting was still underway, but before the official result was declared, Heather Humphreys from the centre-right Fine Gael party told reporters she “wanted to congratulate Catherine Connolly on becoming the next president of Ireland”.
“Catherine is going to be the president for all of us and she’s going to be my president, and I really want to wish her the best,” he said.
Polls have suggested consistent and strong voter support for Connolly, 68, and rival Humphreys, 64, for president, a role that carries great ceremony in Ireland.
Connolly, a former barrister and independent MP since 2016, has been outspoken in his criticism of Israel. War in Gaza.
It has obtained the support of leftist parties, among others Sinn FeinLabor Party and Social Democrats.
He and Humphreys were the only candidates after Jim Gavin, Micheál Fianna Fail’s prime ministerial candidate, dropped out of the race three weeks before the election due to a long-standing financial dispute.
Galway / AP 
Martin, the Irish head of government, personally endorsed Gavin as a presidential candidate. Although Gavin stopped campaigning, his name remains on the ballot because of his late withdrawal from the race.
Although Ireland’s presidents represent the country on the world stage, host visiting heads of state and play an important constitutional role, they do not have the power to make laws or policies.
The leader of the Irish Labor Party said Connolly had united the parties with an “alternative vision”.
Ivana Baci said left-wing parties can now look at how they can “combine” and “offer a real alternative” in the next general election.
Former cabinet minister Humphreys has insisted that he is a centrist candidate, pro-business, pro-EU, and will strive for unity.
Others, among others Musician Bob Geldof and former martial arts champion Conor McGregor stated that they wanted to run for president, but did not receive enough support for the candidacy.
The winner will succeed Michael D. Higgins, who has been president since 2011, having served two maximum seven-year terms. Connolly or Humphreys will be Ireland’s 10th president and the third woman to hold the position.
The ballots were being counted by hand. The final result will be announced on Saturday once counting is completed in 43 constituencies across the country.