Katherine Connolly, a left-wing activist, was elected President of Ireland by an overwhelming majority

Catherine Connolly, a 68-year-old independent leftist, won 63% of the vote in the election Landslide election victory On Saturday, she easily beat her centre-right rival, former minister Heather Humphreys.

The politician won after the left-leaning opposition parties in Ireland, including Sinn FeinThey have united in support of her, and she is expected to be a voice unafraid to challenge Ireland’s centre-right government.

While Irish presidents hold a largely ceremonial role and do not have executive powers such as drafting laws, they represent Ireland on the world stage and are often seen as a unifying voice on key issues. Connolly will succeed Michael D. Higginsa hugely popular president who has been vocal about the war in Gaza and NATO spending, among other things.

Connolly pledged on Saturday to be an “inclusive president” who champions diversity and is a “voice for peace.”

A look at Connolly’s background and views:

From independent deputy to president

Connolly, a mother of two, has served three terms as an independent lawmaker for Galway West since being elected to Parliament in 2016. In 2020, she became the first woman to serve as Deputy Leader of the House of Parliament.

She grew up in social housing in a suburb of Galway in western Ireland, one of 14 children. Her mother died when she was nine, and her father worked at the local shipyard. As a student, she volunteered with a Catholic organization to help the elderly and took on other community roles.

She has degrees in clinical psychology and law, and was a lawyer before entering politics.

Connolly began her political career when she was elected as a Labor member of Galway City Council in 1999. Five years later, she was elected Mayor of Galway City. I left work in 2007.

Explicit views against Israel and the European Union

Connolly was not shy about criticizing Israel over the war in Gaza.

In September, she sparked criticism when she described Hamas as “part of the fabric of the Palestinian people.” Prime Minister Michael Martin It criticized her for appearing reluctant to condemn the militant group’s actions in the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel that sparked the protests. The war between Israel and Hamas has been ongoing for two years in Gaza.

She later stressed that she “strongly condemns” Hamas’ actions, while also criticizing Israel for carrying out what she called genocide in Gaza.

Regarding Europe, she has repeatedly criticized the EU for its growing “militarism” in the wake of Russia’s all-out invasion of Ukraine, drawing comparisons with Nazi-era armaments in the 1930s, and questioning NATO’s expansion into the East. Critics said these comments, along with others critical of the US and UK, risked alienating Ireland’s allies.

Connolly also stressed her desire to defend Ireland’s tradition of military neutrality, in the face of calls for the country to contribute more to European defence. She said during her election campaign that a referendum should be held on the government’s plan to remove the “triple lock” – the conditions for the deployment of Irish soldiers on international missions.

Connolly’s straightforward style and message of social equality and inclusion have won over many, especially young voters. In the televised presidential debates, she said she would respect the limits of her office — although she also said in her acceptance speech that she would speak “when necessary” as president.

“Together, we can forge a new republic that values ​​everyone, that values ​​and champions diversity, and requires confidence in our identity, our Irish language, our English language, and the new people who come to our country,” she said Saturday at Dublin Castle.