Connolly to become Ireland’s next president after rival concedes defeat Election News

Pro-Palestinian, left-wing candidate Catherine Connolly is on course for a landslide victory as votes are still being counted.

Catherine Connolly will be the left-wing independent candidate The next president of Ireland After her opponent conceded defeat.

Counting in the presidential election was still underway on Saturday, but Heather Humphreys of the centre-right Fine Gael party told reporters she “wanted to congratulate Catherine Connolly on becoming the next president of Ireland”.

“Katherine will be president for all of us and she will be my president and I wish her the very best,” Humphreys said.

Voting slips were being counted by hand, with the final results of Friday’s election expected to be announced later on Saturday after counting of votes in all 43 constituencies across the country was completed.

Polls suggested Connolly, 68, had more consistent and stronger voter support than her rival Humphrey, 64.

Deputy Prime Minister and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris also wished Connolly “every success” and added: “She will be President of all this country.”

“Her success will be Ireland’s success,” he posted on X.

Connolly, a former barrister and independent lawmaker since 2016, has been outspoken in his criticism of Israel. War in Gaza and has won the support of a range of left-wing parties, including Sinn Féin, the Labor Party and the Social Democrats.

Her campaign was particularly popular among young people, who recognized her pro-Palestinian stance and her commitment to social justice, among other issues.

Connolly and Humphreys were the only contenders after Prime Minister Michael Martin’s Fianna Fáil candidate Jim Gavin dropped out of the race over a financial dispute three weeks before the election. Martin supported Gavin in the race.

While the Irish president represents the country globally, visiting heads of state and playing an important constitutional role, he has no power to make laws or policies.

The winner will succeed Michael D Higgins, who has been chairman since 2011, serving a maximum of two seven-year terms.

If confirmed, Connolly will be the 10th President of Ireland and the third woman to hold the position.