In a landmark moment for Irish politics, Catherine Connolly has been elected as the 10th President of Ireland, making her only the third woman to hold the office. Her victory not only reflects a powerful shift in Ireland’s political landscape but also underlines the country’s evolving attitudes towards leadership, feminism, and progressive values.
A Landslide Win for Connolly
On October 24, 2025, Ireland held its presidential election, and the results were decisive. Connolly secured approximately 63.4% of first-preference votes, a commanding lead over her nearest rival, Fine Gael’s Heather Humphreys, who received about 29.5%. (Wikipedia)
Her margin of victory was historic in more ways than one. Not only was it a landslide, but Connolly also recorded the highest number of first-preference votes ever cast for a presidential candidate in Ireland. (Wikipedia) Voter turnout stood at 45.8%, marking a relatively moderate level of participation. (Wikipedia)
Breaking New Ground: The Third Female President
Connolly’s election places her in the company of only two previous women who have held Ireland’s highest office:
- Mary Robinson — Ireland’s first female president, serving from 1990 to 1997. (Wikipedia)
- Mary McAleese — the second woman to serve as president, in office from 1997 to 2011. (Wikipedia)
With Connolly now sworn in, Ireland continues to build on a significant legacy of female leadership. (The Irish Times)
Who Is Catherine Connolly?
Catherine Connolly, 68, is an independent politician known for her progressive and left-leaning views. A former clinical psychologist and barrister, Connolly has served as a Teachta Dála (TD) representing Galway and has a long track record of public service. (Wikipedia)
Her campaign emphasized core issues such as peace, neutrality, climate change, and social justice. In her victory speech and subsequent remarks, Connolly pledged to use the symbolic but important presidency to amplify these values. (Wikipedia)
Political and Symbolic Significance
Even though the Irish presidency is largely ceremonial, the role carries symbolic weight and moral authority. Connolly’s election is widely interpreted as a rebuke of Ireland’s center-right establishment, especially given her strong backing from left-wing and progressive parties, including Sinn Féin, Labour, and the Social Democrats. (AP News)
Her election also signals a growing appetite among Irish voters for more politically engaged, principled leadership rooted in social ideals. Observers believe that Connolly may use her platform to influence public discourse on pressing issues such as neutrality, economic inequality, and international human rights. (TIME)
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A Historical Legacy of Female Leadership
Connolly’s presidency continues a remarkable trend in Ireland’s modern political history. The first female president, Mary Robinson, was a transformative figure. Elected in 1990, she used her position to advocate for human rights, humanitarian causes, and a more open Ireland. (Wikipedia)
Mary McAleese followed, serving two full terms from 1997 to 2011. Her presidency was notable for emphasizing reconciliation, particularly between different communities in Ireland. (Wikipedia)
Through Connolly, Ireland is now reinforcing its commitment to women’s political representation and progressive change, showing that the path carved by Robinson and McAleese continues to matter.
What Connolly Plans as President
At her inauguration on November 11, 2025, Connolly laid out her priorities. She emphasized her commitment to peace and neutrality, key elements of her worldview. (Wikipedia)
Other focal points include:
- Climate Action: Connolly has expressed strong concern about environmental issues, pledging to elevate climate change as a national moral imperative. (Wikipedia)
- Social Inclusion: Her background in social justice politics means she is likely to use her presidency to champion marginalised voices.
- Irish Language: She has vowed to make the Irish language a working language in the Áras an Uachtaráin (the presidential residence). (Wikipedia)
Reactions and Broader Impact
Women for Election, a major women-in-politics organization in Ireland, welcomed Connolly’s victory with enthusiasm. According to their chair, Aldagh McDonogh, the result is “an inspiring moment … an encouragement and inspiration for more women all across Ireland to enter politics.” (womenforelection.ie)
Politically, her win is seen as more than just symbolic. Many analysts believe Connolly’s presidency could reshape how the left communicates its vision for Ireland, especially given her strong mandate and broad popular support. (The Washington Post)
Looking Forward
As the 10th President of Ireland and its third woman in the role, Catherine Connolly’s election marks both continuity and change. She inherits a legacy built by two pioneering women before her, but she also brings a new energy and vision for the future — particularly around social justice, climate, and Irish identity.
Though her constitutional powers are limited, Connolly’s presidency may carry weight in the public conversation. Her focus on inclusion, peace, and activism could make her a moral voice in Irish politics, leveraging the ceremonial role to push for progress.
For many in Ireland, her ascent is not just a political milestone but a renewed symbol of possibility: of how far the country has come, and where it might go next in its political, social, and moral journey.