The victory of left-wing candidate Catherine Connolly in Ireland’s presidential election represents an alternative to the centre-right bipartisanship that has dominated the country over the last decade. Her victory over Christian Democrat Heather Humphreys marks a significant change in the Irish political landscape.

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The count of first-preference votes from the 43 constituencies in the country granted Connolly 63.4% support, compared to Humphreys’ 29.5%, while turnout rose to 45.8%, almost two points higher than in 2018.

The Fianna Fáil candidate, Gaelic football legend Jim Gavin, who withdrew from the race shortly after the campaign began due to a financial scandal, received 7.2%.

The name of the former coach of the Dublin county team had remained on the ballots, and his second-preference votes could be transferred to his rivals, as allowed by the Irish electoral system.

Although the presidency is almost symbolic and has very limited powers, the candidate of the left-wing coalition of the Dáil (lower house) proposes “optimism and hope” against the “cynicism and negativity” of the old politics, assured Mary Lou McDonald, leader of Sinn Féin and the opposition.

“It is a spectacular victory for the combined forces of the opposition over the finished policies of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael,” stressed the nationalist leader, who also celebrated her decision not to present her own candidate to support Connolly.

Also the Labour Party, to which the next president belonged before becoming an independent deputy, insisted, through its leader, Ivana Bacik, that “a new way of doing politics is possible.”

“Now we believe that we can realize the ambition, the real prospect of forming a center-left government after the next general elections,” added the Labour leader about the event scheduled for 2029.

Connolly, a 68-year-old lawyer and clinical psychologist, declared today that she is “absolutely delighted” to succeed veteran Labour member Michael D. Higgins in the position, who held it for two consecutive terms since 2011.

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