Catherine Connolly: The Leftist Leader Elected President of Ireland

Catherine Connolly Triumphs in Presidential Election

The new president of Ireland for the next seven years is Catherine Connolly, an independent politician renowned for her outspoken support of Palestinian rights and her critical stance on European Union policies.

In a stunning electoral performance, the 68-year-old Connolly garnered a decisive 63% of the vote in a landslide victory on Saturday, easily surpassing her center-right opponent, Heather Humphreys, a former Cabinet minister.

Connolly's victory was bolstered by the backing of Ireland's left-leaning opposition parties, including Sinn Féin, positioning her as a formidable voice ready to challenge the prevailing center-right government.

Although the role of the Irish president is largely ceremonial and devoid of legislative powers, the president serves as a prominent representative of Ireland on the international stage and is often regarded as a unifying figure on critical issues. Connolly will take over from Michael D. Higgins, a beloved leader known for his vocal stance on various topics, including the ongoing conflict in Gaza and NATO expenditures.

Upon her election, Connolly pledged to be "an inclusive president" dedicated to promoting diversity and acting as "a voice for peace."

A Glimpse into Connolly's Journey

Catherine Connolly, a mother of two sons, has represented Galway West as an independent lawmaker since her election to Parliament in 2016, serving three terms in total. Notably, she became the first woman to serve as deputy speaker of the lower house of Parliament in 2020.

Born into a large family as one of 14 children, Connolly grew up in social housing in a Galway suburb. She experienced a significant loss at a young age when her mother passed away when Connolly was just nine years old, while her father made a living working in a local shipyard. Connolly’s early years were marked by community involvement, including volunteering with a Catholic organization to assist the elderly.

Her educational background includes degrees in clinical psychology and law, and she worked as a lawyer before stepping into the political arena.

Connolly's political career commenced in 1999 when she was elected as a Labour Party member of the Galway City Council. She went on to serve as the mayor of Galway in 2004 before eventually leaving the Labour Party in 2007.

Bold Stances on Israel and European Union Policies

Catherine Connolly has been candid in her criticisms of Israel in light of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. In September, she faced backlash for describing Hamas as “part of the fabric of the Palestinian people.” Her remarks drew rebuke from Prime Minister Micheál Martin, who accused her of hesitating to denounce the militant group’s actions during the October 7, 2023, assault on Israel, which marked the beginning of a new phase in the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza.

While Connolly later clarified her position by saying she "utterly condemned" Hamas’s actions, she simultaneously criticized Israel, accusing it of committing genocide in Gaza.

Her views on the European Union have been equally assertive; she has frequently criticized the EU's increasing militarization in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, even drawing parallels to the arms buildup during the Nazi era of the 1930s. Additionally, she has expressed skepticism towards NATO's expansion in Eastern Europe, prompting critics to warn that such statements could alienate Ireland's international allies.

Connolly is committed to upholding Ireland's tradition of military neutrality, particularly amid growing calls for the nation to enhance its contributions to European defense. During her campaign, she advocated for a referendum concerning government proposals to amend the “triple lock” principle, which governs the deployment of Irish troops on international missions.

With her election, Connolly is poised to bring a distinctive voice to the presidency, reflecting the concerns and aspirations of a significant segment of the Irish populace.