Voters across Ireland cast their ballots on Friday to choose one of two women as the country’s next president for a seven-year term. The presidency is mostly ceremonial but carries symbolic importance in Ireland’s political and international profile.
Connolly Leads in Polls Catherine Connolly, an independent left-wing lawmaker supported by Sinn Féin, is seen as the frontrunner. Known for her strong criticism of Israel, Connolly holds around 40 percent voter support, compared with 20 to 25 percent for her rival, Heather Humphreys of the center-right Fine Gael party. The race narrowed to these two candidates after Fianna Fáil’s nominee, Jim Gavin, withdrew earlier this month over a financial dispute. Other potential candidates, including musician Bob Geldof and former MMA fighter Conor McGregor, did not secure enough nominations to run. The winner will replace outgoing President Michael D. Higgins, who has completed two terms since 2011. Either Connolly or Humphreys will become Ireland’s 10th president and the third woman to hold the position.
Connolly Backed by Left-Wing Parties Connolly, 68, a former barrister, has been an independent member of parliament since 2016. Her comments about Hamas and Israel have drawn criticism, including from Prime Minister Micheál Martin, after she described Hamas as “part of the fabric of the Palestinian people.” She later clarified that she condemned Hamas’ attacks but accused Israel of committing “genocide” in Gaza. Critics say her positions could strain Ireland’s foreign relations, and some have questioned her past work as a lawyer for banks during home repossessions. Connolly, however, has gained strong support from left-wing parties such as Sinn Féin, Labour, and the Social Democrats. She says she will be “an absolutely independent president with an independent mind” and promises to be “a voice for equality and justice.” Connolly began her political journey on Galway City Council in 1999 and later served as Galway’s mayor in 2004.
Humphreys Promotes Moderate Policies Heather Humphreys, 64, has spent over a decade in government, holding several cabinet roles overseeing arts, business, and rural development. A former member of parliament from 2011 to 2024, she presents herself as a pro-business and pro-EU candidate. Raised as a Presbyterian in a predominantly Catholic country, she emphasizes unity and reconciliation, especially with Northern Ireland’s communities. “I’m a middle-of-the-road person, like most Irish people,” she said during the final debate this week. While she highlights her experience in government, Connolly has criticized her as representing “more of the same” political direction.
Role of the President Ireland’s president serves as the head of state, representing the nation abroad and fulfilling key constitutional duties. The president formally appoints the prime minister, or Taoiseach, along with other officials and judges. The role also includes signing bills into law and calling new elections when necessary. Although the position does not involve setting government policy, past presidents, including Higgins, have spoken publicly on global and humanitarian issues such as the Gaza conflict and NATO spending.
When to Expect Results Polling stations closed at 10 p.m. local time on Friday, with counting starting on Saturday. The final results are expected by late Saturday, followed by the inauguration of the new president at Dublin Castle the next day.
