Other27 October, 20252 min read
Ireland Elects Left-Wing President Who Condemns Israel’s Genocide in Gaza
This article is an automated aggregation of coverage from news outlets. Our editorials offer in-depth analysis curated by the NewsCord team.
Catherine Connolly won Ireland’s presidential election with 63% of the vote. Connolly is a left-wing independent known for her outspoken support of Palestinians.
6 outlets told this the same way.
Outlets did split on Lebanon Returns 37 Smuggled Artefacts to Egypt After 2020 Port Seizure →
Ireland's New President Election
Ireland has elected Catherine Connolly, a left-wing independent, as president for the next seven years.
“Catherine Connolly, a left-wing independent lawmaker known for her support of Palestinians and criticism of EU policies, has been elected Ireland’s president for the next seven years with 63% of the vote, defeating center-right rival Heather Humphreys.”
Arab News reported she won 63% of the vote over center-right rival Heather Humphreys.
While the presidency is largely ceremonial, AP News notes Connolly used her campaign and acceptance speech to stress she would respect the office’s limits while speaking out when necessary.
The vote unfolded amid concerns about participation.
Le Monde anticipated turnout potentially under 40% due to frustration with only two main candidates.
Irish Star reported counting began amid worries about low turnout and that the winner would serve a seven-year term succeeding Michael D. Higgins.
Profile of Connolly's Career
Connolly’s rise blends long service and activist credibility. AP News notes she is a former lawyer with degrees in clinical psychology and law. She began in Labour on Galway City Council in 1999 and served as Galway’s mayor in 2004.
She left Labour in 2007. Arab News adds she has represented Galway West as an independent since 2016 and was the first woman deputy speaker of the lower house. She grew up in social housing.
Le Monde and Irish Star emphasize she is a 68‑year‑old left‑wing independent backed by Sinn Féin and other left‑leaning parties. She has momentum among younger voters via media and viral content.
Connolly's Views on Israel-Palestine
On Israel–Palestine, Arab News reports that Connolly has criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza. She condemns violence by Hamas and accuses Israel of genocide in Gaza. Connolly described Hamas as part of the fabric of the Palestinian people, a remark that sparked political backlash.
“She condemns violence by Hamas but also accuses Israel of genocide in Gaza.”
AP News notes her controversial remarks about Hamas and says these drew criticism from Ireland’s Prime Minister. Her stance is framed as outspoken and contentious.
Irish Star characterizes her more broadly as known for her strong views on Israel and Palestine. Le Monde highlights how her message gained traction with younger voters through media and viral content.
Political Views on EU and Ireland
Beyond Gaza, both Arab News and AP News report that Connolly has criticized the EU’s militarization after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. He has questioned NATO expansion and defended Ireland’s military neutrality. Connolly advocates for a referendum to lift restrictions on deploying Irish soldiers abroad.
Irish Star provides a counterpoint through Humphreys, describing her as a pro-business, pro-EU candidate raised Presbyterian in Northern Ireland who seeks to foster unity. Le Monde says Humphreys, a former cabinet minister from the Protestant minority, presents herself as a unifying figure.
Connolly's Presidential Outlook
Looking ahead, Arab News says Connolly has pledged to be an inclusive president who champions diversity and peace. She is expected to challenge the center‑right government despite the presidency’s constraints. AP News reports she emphasized respecting the office’s limits while promising to speak out when necessary.
“She succeeds Michael D. Higgins and has pledged to be an inclusive president who champions diversity and peace.”
This approach is consistent with her message of social equality, inclusivity, and national identity that resonated with younger voters. Le Monde underscores the context of a low‑engagement election, with turnout expected to drop below 40%. Irish Star reminds that the post is a largely ceremonial seven‑year term succeeding Michael D.
