Catherine Connolly confirmed as next President of Ireland with resounding election success

"As Catherine Connolly has reached the quota, she is deemed elected the President of Ireland. Catherine Connolly was elected on the first count, winning 63pc first-preference votes once spoilt votes were excluded. The left-wing independent, 68, is a former psychologist, barrister, and ex-Galway mayor and councillor. Ms Connolly won 914,143 first-preference votes, presidential returning officer Barry Ryan announced at Dublin Castle on Saturday night."

"When spoilt votes were excluded, Fine Gael candidate Heather Humphreys won 29pc of first preference votes, while Fianna Fail's Jim Gavin, who withdrew from campaigning, won 7pc first preference votes. The 213,738 spoiled votes represent a tenfold increase since the last presidential election in 2018. Of the 3,612,957 people eligible to vote, 1,656,436 cast their vote in the 2025 presidential election, representing a turnout of 46pc."

Catherine Connolly reached the quota and was declared elected President of Ireland. She won 63pc of first-preference votes after spoilt votes were excluded, receiving 914,143 votes on the first count. Connolly is a 68-year-old left-wing independent and a former psychologist, barrister, Galway mayor and councillor. Fine Gael candidate Heather Humphreys received 29pc and Fianna Fáil's Jim Gavin, who had withdrawn from campaigning, received 7pc. There were 213,738 spoiled votes, a tenfold increase since 2018. Of 3,612,957 eligible voters, 1,656,436 cast ballots, yielding a 46pc turnout. Connolly addressed the crowd in Irish, saying "Beidh mé Uachtaráin do gach duine sa tír."

Read at Irish Independent