In a historic landslide vote, Catherine Connolly, a long-time left-wing party and independent candidate is elected into office as the 10th president of Ireland. Connolly won with 63 percent of the first-preference votes, the largest to be achieved in an Irish presidential election, crushing center-right candidate Heather Humphreys of Fine Gael by a very wide margin.
The outcome was declared officially at Dublin Castle and the victory of Connolly was evident at an early stage of the tallying. Humphreys was quick to surrender congratulations to and stressed that she thinks Connolly will be the president of all of us.
At 68 yrs, Connolly has been known to be a social justice advocate herself, outspoken on pro-Palestinian position and a critic of European Union policies which she regards as being militaristic. She was Teachta Dala to Galway West prior to her election, thus becoming the first woman to become the deputy speaker of what is today known as the parliament of Ireland. Her campaign gained her a lot of youth support by mobilizing grassroot efforts, social media and making appearances.
Leftist parties including Sinn Fein, the Social Democrats and the Labour supported her election. Connolly campaigned on the platform that he would advocate diversity, maintain the Irish neutrality and act as a voice of peace. Her composed and well-developed argumentative approach, active participation among the younger generation, and viral campaign content were popularly praised.
Although the presidency in Ireland is mostly ceremonial with no direct law making powers, Connolly is also supposed to use her post to bring out significant issues in to the limelight and also champion the causes that she promoted as an intellectual lawmaker. Her rule is expected to be as an extension of the Irish presidents as international champions of peace and neutrality.
The victory of Connolly by nationa” and opposition leaders received good news with hopes that her presidency would bring unity and inclusivity. Connolly has promised to be the representative of all citizens, including those who did not vote in her favor and a diverse president who will promote diversity.
