by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Europe Bureau Chief
DUBLIN (Worthy News) – Official results showed Monday that Ireland, a member of the European Union, has elected an outspoken independent lawmaker known for her criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza and her distrust of EU defense policies.
Left-wing independent Catherine Connolly, 68, secured 63 percent of the vote in a landslide victory on Saturday, comfortably defeating her center-right rival, former Cabinet minister Heather Humphreys, according to the national election authority.
Connolly’s campaign focused on human rights, neutrality, and social justice, resonating with voters disillusioned by Ireland’s traditional parties. Her win came after left-leaning opposition movements, including Sinn Féin, rallied behind her candidacy.
Connolly has long been one of Ireland’s most vocal politicians supporting the Palestinian cause, frequently condemning what she calls “the collective punishment of civilians in Gaza.”
In recent parliamentary debates she labeled Israeli airstrikes “inhumane and disproportionate” and urged Dublin and the European Union to take a firmer stance toward Israel.
STATE OF PALESTINE
She has also backed calls for Ireland to formally recognize the State of Palestine, a policy objective that enjoys broad parliamentary sympathy though has not yet been enacted.
Analysts say her election underscores Ireland’s status as one of the most Israel-critical voices inside the EU, a position that often contrasts with Washington and several European capitals.
While Ireland’s presidency is largely ceremonial, observers expect Connolly to use the office’s moral platform to highlight humanitarian and peace issues and to defend Ireland’s long-held neutrality.
She succeeds Michael D. Higgins, another left-leaning president who spoke out on Gaza, NATO spending, and social inequality.
“I will be a president who listens, who reflects, and who speaks when it’s necessary,” Connolly said during her victory speech at Dublin Castle, promising to be “an inclusive president” and “a voice for peace.”
GROWING FRUSTRATION
European political analysts suggest that Connolly’s triumph reflects broader frustration among critical European Union citizens over the Israel-Palestine conflict.
“Her pro-Palestinian stance resonates deeply with Irish public opinion, which often views the plight of Palestinians through the lens of Ireland’s own colonial history,” said political scientist Niamh Gallagher of Cambridge University.
Israel has not yet formally commented on Connolly’s election, though previous Irish criticism of Israeli military operations has prompted diplomatic protests from Jerusalem.
Connolly will be inaugurated on November 11, 2025, for a seven-year term, succeeding Higgins. Analysts say her presidency could influence EU debates on Middle East peace and global human-rights issues, even without executive power.
Her victory also signals what observers describe as a left-wing resurgence in Irish politics, challenging the dominance of the ruling Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil parties and strengthening calls for a more independent Irish voice within the 27-nation EU.
Copyright 1999-2025 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
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