Independent candidate Catherine Connolly, a long-time advocate of Irish military neutrality and critic of NATO expansion and EU militarization, has secured Ireland’s presidential election in a landslide. Known for her opposition to Brussels’ militarization efforts, Connolly’s victory reflects growing public discontent over issues like housing and cost-of-living crises.
The ballot count was still underway when her main rival, Heather Humphreys, conceded defeat after early tallies showed her trailing by a wide margin. Preliminary results placed Connolly ahead by 63% to 29%.
Connolly’s campaign highlighted her stance on Irish neutrality and criticism of increasing military spending at the expense of social welfare. While she condemned Russia’s actions in Ukraine, she argued that NATO’s ‘warmongering’ contributed to the conflict. Last month, she drew parallels between Germany’s current rearmament efforts and its 1930s Nazism-era rearmament, warning of similar dangers. The president, though a largely symbolic role in Ireland’s parliamentary democracy, holds key powers including the ability to refer bills to the national court and dissolve parliament under certain conditions. Her victory was largely attributed to capturing the youth vote through effective outreach and social media presence. Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin congratulated her on what he called a ‘very comprehensive election victory.’