Ireland Elects Left-Wing, Pro-Immigrant President

Published: Sunday, October 26, 2025 at 12:48 am

Ireland Elects Left-Wing President in Landslide Victory

Dublin, Ireland – Catherine Connolly, a self-described socialist and independent candidate, secured a decisive victory in Ireland's 2025 presidential election. Connolly, 68, garnered a commanding 63.4% of the vote, significantly outpacing her rivals. Heather Humphreys, the nominee from Fine Gael, received 29.5%, while Jim Gavin, the Fianna Fáil candidate, trailed with 7.2%.

In her victory speech, Connolly emphasized her commitment to inclusivity and her vision for a diverse Ireland. She pledged to be a voice for peace, advocate for climate change action, and recognize the contributions of the Irish people. Connolly is scheduled to assume office on November 11, succeeding the term-limited President Michael D. Higgins, also a left-wing socialist.

Connolly's campaign benefited from the backing of several left-wing parties, including Sinn Féin, Labour, and the Social Democrats. Her vote share represents the highest percentage in the history of Irish presidential elections, surpassing the previous record set in 1959.

The election saw a notable increase in spoiled or invalid ballots, with 13% of votes cast being deemed invalid. This represents a significant rise compared to previous elections, where invalid votes typically hovered around 1%. The "Spoil The Vote" campaign gained traction within right-wing and anti-immigration circles.

The election results come amidst recent events, including riots in Dublin following an alleged assault involving a migrant.

BNN's Perspective:

The election of a left-wing president with such a strong mandate signals a clear shift in the political landscape of Ireland. While the focus on inclusivity and diversity is commendable, the high number of spoiled ballots suggests a segment of the population feels unrepresented. It will be crucial for President-elect Connolly to address the concerns of all citizens to foster national unity.

Keywords: Ireland, presidential election, Catherine Connolly, socialist, independent, landslide victory, Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil, Michael D. Higgins, inclusivity, diversity, climate change, spoiled votes, anti-immigration, Dublin, Irish politics

Full Story