Ireland elects left-leaning candidate as president as rival concedes

The Japan TimesCenterEN 1 min read 100% complete by Olivia FletcherOctober 27, 2025 at 03:10 AM

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Left-leaning independent Catherine Connolly won Ireland’s presidential election with 63% of the vote on Friday, defeating centrist former government minister Heather Humphreys. The 68-year-old former lawyer and speaker of parliament will succeed incumbent Michael D. Higgins in a mostly ceremonial role. Connolly's victory raises questions about voter confidence in the current coalition government, which largely supported Humphreys after the prime minister’s candidate withdrew from the race. Turnout was 45.9%, slightly above the previous election in 2018. While the presidency has limited powers, Connolly's win marks a boost for Ireland’s left-wing alliance of parties.

Key Topics & Entities

Germany 30% Gaza 40% Micheal Martin 40% Michael D. Higgins 50% Sinn Fein 50% Heather Humphreys ×280% Ireland ×3100% Catherine Connolly ×2100%

Keywords

ireland 100% presidential election 100% left-leaning candidate 90% catherine connolly 80% voter confidence 70% ceremonial role 60% invalid votes 60% government policy criticism 50% left-wing alliance 50% social issues 40%