Leftwinger Catherine Connolly takes clear lead in Ireland’s presidential race
Guardian17 hrs
Catherine Connolly Wins Ireland's Presidential Election
Above: Catherine Connolly arrives at Claddagh National School in Galway city to cast her vote on Oct. 24, 2025. Image copyright: Brian Lawless/PA Images/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-Europe narrative
Catherine Connolly's victory signifies a dangerous shift toward isolationism and anti-EU sentiment that could undermine Ireland's international standing. Her extreme criticism of European defense cooperation and troubling comparisons to the 1930s reveal an alarming worldview. The low voter turnout and high spoiled ballots show this wasn't a mandate but voter apathy.
Left narrative
Catherine Connolly's landslide election victory reflects a profound desire for change across Ireland. This is more than a political win; it is the rise of a movement for renewal. Catherine Connolly stands as both a symbol of public frustration and a rallying point for transformation within Ireland's political landscape. The left finally has the momentum to build a fairer Ireland.
Narrative C
Catherine Connolly's commanding election victory reflects boldness and ambition. Yet the triumph feels uneasy: a hollow crown. She now faces the daunting task of speaking for both the establishment and opposition, for the disillusioned majority and the disengaged few, at a moment when faith in Irish democracy itself is under strain.
Narrative D
Ireland has placed a bold bet on Catherine Connolly — an independent candidate whose campaign channels deep frustration with the political establishment. Her win signals a hunger for more than just a new face; it hints at a demand for real, systemic change. The legacy of her victory now pivots on whether she can turn momentum into substance.