"Ireland's president for the next seven years is an independent lawmaker who has long spoken in support of Palestinians and has been vocal about her distrust of European Union policies. Left-wing independent Catherine Connolly, 68, secured 63% of votes in a landslide election victory on Saturday, comfortably defeating her center-right rival, former Cabinet minister Heather Humphreys. The politician won after Ireland's left-leaning opposition parties, including Sinn Fein, united to back her, and she is expected to be a voice unafraid to challenge Ireland's center-right government."
"While Irish presidents hold a largely ceremonial role and do not have executive powers like shaping laws, they represent Ireland on the world stage and are often seen as a unifying voice on major issues. Connolly will succeed Michael D. Higgins, a popular president who has been vocal about the war in Gaza and NATO spending, among other things. Connolly vowed Saturday to be "an inclusive president" who would champion diversity and be "a voice for peace.""
Catherine Connolly, a left-wing independent, won Ireland's presidency with 63% of the vote and will serve a seven-year term. She has long spoken in support of Palestinians and has expressed distrust of European Union policies. Her election followed united backing from left-leaning opposition parties, including Sinn Fein, and she is expected to challenge the center-right government. Irish presidents hold largely ceremonial roles without executive lawmaking powers but represent Ireland internationally and often act as a unifying voice. Connolly will succeed Michael D. Higgins. She pledged to be an inclusive president, champion diversity, and serve as a voice for peace.
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