London: Independent politician Catherine Connolly has been elected as Ireland’s 10th president, securing 63.36 per cent of first preference votes, according to official results released on Sunday.
The 68-year-old Connolly, supported by several left-wing parties including Sinn Féin, defeated Fine Gael’s Heather Humphreys, a former government minister, in the election that began on Friday.
A third contender, Jim Gavin, who had been backed by Fianna Fáil, withdrew earlier this month following a rental dispute controversy, Xinhua news agency reported.
Connolly has represented the Galway West constituency in parliament since 2016, and previously worked as a psychologist and barrister. In 2020, she became the first woman to serve as Deputy Speaker of the lower house of parliament.
She will be sworn in to succeed President Michael D. Higgins, who will complete his second and final seven-year term in November.
Following her victory, Connolly said:
“My message is to use your voice in every way you can, because a republic and a democracy need constructive questioning — and together, we can shape a new republic that values everybody.”
