Catherine Connolly has been elected as the President of Ireland, achieving a decisive victory with 63.4% of the vote in a recent election held in March 2024. Her win serves as a significant rejection of the conservative coalition that had been in power, marking a shift in the political landscape of the country.
Connolly, an independent candidate and a long-time critic of the European Union, emerged as a formidable contender despite being relatively unknown at the outset of the campaign. At 68 years old, she rallied support, particularly among younger voters, and built momentum as the election date approached. The runner-up, Heather Humphreys of the Fine Gael party, garnered 29.5% of the votes, while Jim Gavin, a candidate from the Fianna Fail party who withdrew from the race three weeks prior, received 7.2%.
Political Context and Campaign Dynamics
In her acceptance speech at Dublin Castle, Connolly stated, “I will be a president who listens, who reflects and who speaks when it’s necessary. Together we can shape a new republic that values everybody.” While the presidency in Ireland is largely ceremonial, the role holds significant symbolic power, allowing the president to engage on the global stage and welcome foreign leaders.
Connolly’s platform included strong stances against increasing military spending by the EU and skepticism towards the foreign policies of the United States, the United Kingdom, and France regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Her views resonate with many Irish voters, placing her firmly on the left of the political spectrum, a position not commonly embraced by the mainstream parties that supported her candidacy.
Prior to this election, Connolly served as deputy speaker of the Dáil Éireann, Ireland’s lower house of parliament, after her initial election in 2016. Her victory continues a trend towards electing more independent candidates based on personal values rather than strict party lines. This shift has been further accentuated by the ineffective campaigns of the two major governing parties. Humphreys was not the first choice for Fine Gael, while Gavin’s candidacy was marred by a financial scandal that led to his withdrawal.
Implications for the Left and Future Elections
Connolly’s win is seen as a boost for the left-wing opposition, which is now led by Sinn Féin. Political analysts suggest that this victory may help unify the previously fragmented left in their quest to challenge the long-standing dominance of the centre-right parties in Ireland. However, challenges remain as upcoming parliamentary elections are scheduled by 2030. An Ireland Thinks polling-day survey indicated that only 51% of Connolly’s supporters would consider voting for a left-wing alliance.
The Labour Party leader, Ivana Bacik, expressed concerns regarding potential coalition dynamics, particularly with Sinn Féin at the helm. Additionally, a notable 13% of voters chose to spoil their ballots, reflecting discontent that included protests from supporters of a conservative candidate who failed to qualify for the ballot. In response to these developments, Prime Minister Micheál Martin stated that the government is open to reforming the nomination process for candidates.
As Ireland embarks on a new political chapter with Connolly at the helm, the implications of her presidency could resonate through future legislative sessions and shape the nation’s response to both domestic and international challenges.
