Ireland

Catherine Connolly, an independent leftist candidate from Galway, won Ireland's presidential election in a landslide victory that reflects growing dissatisfaction with the center-right government. Her win comes amidst low voter turnout and high numbers of spoiled ballots, highlighting underlying societal divisions. The election underscores a shift towards more polarized politics in Ireland since its independence. Additionally, recent social tensions have emerged, including protests against an alleged migrant assault on a young girl, which led to clashes with police. Meanwhile, environmental concerns are also prominent, as Irish scientists contribute to studies warning about the intensification of El Niño due to global warming.