Catherine Connolly to Be Sworn In as Ireland’s 10th President on November 11

Dublin: As widely expected, Catherine Connolly, the 68-year-old independent candidate backed by opposition parties, will be sworn in as Ireland’s 10th President on November 11.

A former Labour leader, Connolly brings to the presidency a long record of integrity, independence, and public service. Known for her strong sense of fairness and principled neutrality, she has built her career on advocating for social justice and standing by her convictions, even when they challenged party lines.

A Political Journey Marked by Independence

Connolly first entered politics in 1999 as a Labour councillor in Galway City and became Mayor of Galway five years later. Disillusioned with party decisions, she left Labour in 2006 and continued her political journey as an independent. After facing defeats in 2007 and 2011, she was elected as a TD for Galway West in 2016, and re-elected in 2020.

In the Dáil, she earned respect for her outspoken criticism of government policy, particularly her pointed remarks on homelessness directed at former Housing Minister Alan Kelly. She served as Leas-Cheann Comhairle (Deputy Speaker) of the Dáil, maintaining neutrality throughout her tenure — a hallmark of her political career.

Connolly has also chaired the Irish Language, Gaeltacht and Islands Committee and served on the Public Accounts Committee, further consolidating her reputation as a diligent and fair legislator.

A Voice for Peace, Neutrality, and Human Rights

Connolly’s political views reflect her staunch commitment to Irish neutrality and global human rights. She has been an active supporter of the Irish Neutrality League, advocating for the preservation of the triple-lock mechanism governing Ireland’s participation in international missions.

A long-time supporter of the Palestinian cause, Connolly has pledged to visit Palestine as president to express solidarity with its people. While her nuanced comments on Hamas have drawn criticism, she has emphasised that both Hamas and Israel must be held accountable for war crimes, urging all parties to address the root causes of the conflict rather than its immediate flashpoints.

Connolly has also defended her past decisions, including a controversial 2018 fact-finding trip to Syria and the appointment of a former offender as a parliamentary assistant, describing both as informed and considered actions rooted in her belief in rehabilitation and dialogue.

Election and Political Impact

Connolly’s presidential campaign, launched in July, received strong backing from left-leaning parties, including Sinn Féin, Labour, the Social Democrats, People Before Profit–Solidarity, and the Green Party. Her election is being hailed as a “game changer” in Irish politics, signalling a shift towards greater public appetite for independent leadership.

She succeeds President Michael D. Higgins, bringing to a close his 14-year tenure. Political observers describe her victory as a resounding endorsement of grassroots democracy and civic engagement.

Life and Background

Born in Shantalla, Galway, one of 14 children, Connolly’s early life was marked by hardship — her mother passed away when she was just nine. Raised by her father, a carpenter and boatbuilder, she went on to earn a Master’s in Clinical Psychology from the University of Leeds (1981) and a Law Degree from the University of Galway (1989), qualifying as a barrister in 1991.

She has been married to Brian McEnery for 33 years, and the couple has two sons. Her sister, Colette Connolly, also served as a Galway City councillor for 18 years before retiring in 2024.

The ‘Sporting President’

Connolly won hearts nationwide after a video surfaced of her playing football and basketball with children, displaying remarkable athleticism for her age. The clip, shared widely on social media, went viral — symbolising her approachable and energetic leadership style.

A New Chapter for Ireland

Catherine Connolly will join the distinguished line of Irish presidents — Douglas Hyde, Seán T. O’Kelly, Éamon de Valera, Erskine Childers, Cearbhall Ó Dálaigh, Patrick Hillery, Mary Robinson, Mary McAleese, and Michael D. Higgins — as she takes office on November 11.

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