Fast facts: Who is Catherine Connolly, the outspoken leftist taking over Ireland?

Connolly, who has drawn parallels with her successor, Michael Higgins, another prominent voice in the Gaza War, won with 63% of the vote, defeating centre-right contender Heather Humphreys, a former Cabinet minister.

Here’s what to know about her: 

Background

• Connolly worked as a clinical psychologist and barrister before entering politics.
• Her political career began in 1999 as a Labour Party member of Galway City Council.
• She later became mayor of Galway in 2004.
• After two unsuccessful runs, she entered the Dáil (Irish Parliament) in 2016, serving three terms.
• She was the first woman to chair debates and the first female deputy speaker of the lower house.
• Connolly is Ireland’s third female president.
• Her 2025 victory is historic: She received the highest number of first-preference votes in Irish electoral history.

Stance

• Connolly is a vocal critic of Western foreign policy, particularly the EU’s push for greater defence integration and higher military spending.
• She is one of Ireland’s most outspoken defenders of Palestinian rights. She has repeatedly condemned Israel’s military actions in Gaza, calling for accountability under international law.
• She is a socialist and pacifist, advocating for economic justice, expanded public housing, and environmental protection.
• Connolly strongly supports Irish neutrality, warning that EU militarisation could erode the country’s peacekeeping tradition.
• She promotes inclusive governance, championing women’s rights, LGBTQ+ equality, and migrant protections.

Role as president 

• Under Ireland’s system, the presidency is largely ceremonial, with limited executive power.
• Connolly will represent Ireland abroad and act as a symbolic voice of unity and conscience at home.
• She will be inaugurated on November 11.