Connolly declared president of Ireland after landslide win

In a historic and resounding victory, Catherine Connolly has been declared the next President of Ireland, securing a landslide win that saw her garner over 65% of the first-preference votes. Running as an independent candidate, Ms. Connolly, who received crucial backing from Ireland's major left-wing parties, pledged in her acceptance speech to be "an inclusive president for all," signalling a fresh direction for Áras an Uachtaráin.

A Decisive Mandate for Change

The results, announced early this morning, saw Connolly comfortably defeat her closest rival, establishment candidate and former government minister, Liam O'Connell, who secured just under 25% of the vote. The scale of her victory has sent ripples through the Irish political landscape, marking a significant shift in voter sentiment away from traditional party lines and towards a candidate promising genuine independence and social reform. Analysts attribute her success to a grassroots campaign that resonated deeply with a public yearning for a president focused on community, equality, and a moral voice in national discourse.

Who is Catherine Connolly?

Catherine Connolly is not a newcomer to the Irish public sphere. A long-time human rights advocate and former barrister, her career has been dedicated to social justice and civil liberties. She served for many years as a prominent activist before entering local politics, where she quickly earned a reputation for her integrity, sharp intellect, and unwavering commitment to the most vulnerable in society. Her campaign focused on re-energising the presidency as a beacon of national unity, promoting an active citizenry, and championing issues such as mental health awareness, environmental protection, and a fairer society. Her message of inclusivity, transcending political divides, struck a chord across the country.

An Inclusive Presidency for All

In her victory address, President-elect Connolly reiterated her core promise. "My vision for this office is simple: to serve every citizen of this Republic, regardless of their background, their beliefs, or their postcode. I will be a president for urban and rural, for young and old, for those who feel heard and, especially, for those who feel forgotten." She emphasised her commitment to fostering a national conversation that promotes understanding and collaboration, aiming to use the unique moral authority of the presidency to bridge societal gaps and encourage collective action on pressing national issues.

The Road Ahead

Connolly's election marks a pivotal moment for Ireland. Her non-partisan stance, combined with her progressive agenda, is expected to bring a dynamic new energy to the office. While the role of the President of Ireland is largely ceremonial, it holds significant constitutional and cultural importance, acting as a guardian of the constitution and a representative of the nation both at home and abroad. Her inauguration, set for later this autumn, will be keenly watched, as the country looks forward to a presidency that promises to be truly reflective of a diverse and evolving Ireland.

Keywords: Catherine Connolly, President of Ireland, Irish election results, presidential race, independent candidate, Irish politics, landslide victory, Áras an Uachtaráin, new president, election 2024