Ireland Votes as Two Women Compete for Presidency

Published: 24 October 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Ireland heads to the polls on Friday to elect a new president, with voters choosing between two female candidates for the largely ceremonial role that carries a seven-year term. The election comes as the country prepares to replace Michael D. Higgins, who has served the maximum two terms since 2011.

Catherine Connolly, a 68-year-old left-wing independent lawmaker backed by Sinn Féin, the Labour Party, and the Social Democrats, is widely regarded as the frontrunner. Known for her outspoken views on international affairs and her advocacy for marginalised groups, Connolly has garnered roughly 40% of voter support in recent polls. Her opponent, Heather Humphreys, a 64-year-old former Cabinet minister representing the centre-right Fine Gael party, has drawn 20%–25% support. Humphreys emphasises her experience in government and a centrist approach, positioning herself as a unifying candidate for the nation.

Connolly’s rise to prominence followed the withdrawal of Jim Gavin, a Fianna Fáil candidate, whose campaign ended amid financial scandal allegations. While Connolly faced criticism for her past statements regarding Hamas and Israel, including describing Hamas as “part of the fabric of the Palestinian people,” she maintains she condemns acts of violence and seeks to balance her foreign policy views with a commitment to justice and equality. She has stressed that, if elected, she would serve as “an absolutely independent president with an independent mind,” acting as a voice for all citizens, particularly those often excluded from political representation.

A former barrister, Connolly entered politics in 1999 as a member of Galway City Council and later served as mayor. Her supporters see her as a fresh voice, capable of challenging entrenched political norms. Critics, however, have raised concerns about her alignment with radical positions and questioned her prior legal work representing banks during repossessions. Nevertheless, her backing from left-leaning parties has solidified her front-runner status.

Humphreys, by contrast, emphasizes her extensive experience in government, having served in several Cabinet roles overseeing arts and heritage, business, and rural development. First elected as a local politician in 2004, she served as a member of parliament from 2011 until 2024. Humphreys has presented herself as a pro-business, pro-EU candidate committed to unity and fostering better relations with Northern Ireland. “I’m a center-ground person. I’m a middle-of-the-road person, like most Irish people,” she stated during the final presidential debate. Despite receiving endorsements from Prime Minister Micheál Martin and three former deputy premiers, Humphreys is widely expected to trail Connolly.

The Irish presidency, while largely ceremonial, holds important constitutional responsibilities. The president formally appoints the Taoiseach (prime minister) and other government officials based on parliamentary advice, signs legislation into law, and may dissolve parliament if the prime minister loses the confidence of lawmakers. Though the position does not directly shape legislation, past presidents, including Higgins, have used the platform to comment on key issues such as international conflicts, NATO defense spending, and human rights.

This election marks a significant moment in Irish politics, highlighting both generational change and the growing influence of women in leadership roles. The race has also drawn attention to debates over Ireland’s foreign policy stance, social equality, and the role of independent voices in national decision-making. Both Connolly and Humphreys have sought to present themselves as capable, empathetic leaders, but the current polling suggests that voters may be ready to embrace a candidate who brings a more progressive and outspoken perspective.

As polling stations open, the outcome will determine the country’s next ceremonial head of state, who will serve as both a symbolic figure and an influential voice on societal issues for the next seven years. Observers note that, while the president cannot implement policy, the occupant of Áras an Uachtaráin, the official presidential residence, can shape national discourse and influence public debate on critical issues affecting Ireland and its role in Europe.

Voters’ choice between Connolly and Humphreys will therefore be not only a selection of a ceremonial leader but also a reflection of broader public sentiment on Ireland’s domestic priorities and international stance. The new president will inherit responsibilities shaped by decades of political evolution while providing a platform for engagement with communities across the country.

In recent weeks, both candidates have made their final appeals to the electorate, including a televised debate where they highlighted their differing approaches to governance, national identity, and civic engagement. Connolly emphasized inclusivity, social justice, and advocacy for the underrepresented, while Humphreys focused on stability, experience, and continuity in government. The debate underscored the contrast between the candidates’ political philosophies and their vision for Ireland’s future.

With only two candidates on the ballot after several hopefuls failed to secure the necessary nominations, this election simplifies the choice for voters but raises the stakes, as the new president will serve a full seven-year term and represent Ireland on both domestic and international stages. Political analysts note that the election outcome may influence broader party dynamics and signal public appetite for progressive versus centrist leadership in Ireland’s future political landscape.