Ireland has elected left-wing independent Catherine Connolly as its next president, following a decisive victory in Saturday’s election marked by voter discontent and a record number of spoiled ballots.
Connolly, 68, a lawyer, long-time lawmaker, and outspoken critic of both the United States and the European Union, secured over 63% of the vote, far ahead of her centrist rival Heather Humphreys, who managed 29.5%.
Despite her commanding win, the election drew controversy as nearly 13% of the 1.65 million votes were declared invalid, the highest proportion of spoiled ballots in Ireland’s modern history.
Many conservative groups had urged voters to spoil their ballots in protest over the limited choice of candidates and broader dissatisfaction with immigration and crime policies.
Speaking at Dublin Castle after being officially declared the winner, Connolly said it would be “an absolute privilege” to serve as president.
“For those who didn’t vote for me and even those who spoiled their ballots, I want to be a president who listens to all voices,” she added.
Connolly, who takes office next month for a seven-year term, will succeed Michael D. Higgins, 84, who has held the largely ceremonial role since 2011.
In her victory speech, Connolly pledged to champion Ireland’s neutrality, promote peace, and highlight the “existential threat” of climate change.
Her election could signal a period of tension between the presidency and the coalition government led by Prime Minister Micheál Martin, whose Fianna Fáil party governs in partnership with Fine Gael.
Martin congratulated Connolly for running an “impactful campaign,” saying he looked forward to working with her “as Ireland continues to play a significant role on the global stage.”
The unusually high number of invalid votes reflected widespread dissatisfaction with the election process. Calls to “spoil your vote” circulated online after a conservative Catholic hopeful failed to secure enough parliamentary nominations to make the ballot.
Although a Fianna Fáil candidate had withdrawn earlier this month, his name remained on the ballot and still drew around 7% of votes.
Polls before the election suggested nearly half of voters felt they lacked a candidate who represented their views.
Even so, turnout reached 46%, slightly higher than the 2018 presidential election.
Connolly’s campaign, backed by Sinn Féin and other left-wing groups, gained rapid momentum in the final weeks.
Analysts suggest her victory demonstrates a growing appetite among Irish voters for alternatives to the long-dominant centrist parties.
Political scientist Lisa Keenan of Trinity College Dublin described the result as “a statement of intent” from Ireland’s left.
“There’s a clear ambition to end the historical dominance of Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil,” she said.
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald praised the outcome, calling it proof that Irish politics is ready for change.
“This result shows the potential for an alternative, for a politics of hope, activism and inclusion,” McDonald said.
Connolly, known for her Irish-language fluency and pro-Palestinian stance, has also expressed support for Irish reunification and skepticism over Europe’s rising military expenditure.
