During her speech at Dublin Castle, the president-elect addressed the audience in the St. Peter's Hall. Patrick's Day in Irish. She pledged to represent all citizens in the country, adding that together the Irish people can “shape the new Republic”.
— I will be a president who listens, reflects and speaks up when necessary. “I will be a voice for peace, a voice that advances our policy of neutrality, a voice that articulates the serious threats that climate change poses, and a voice that recognizes the tremendous work being done across the country,” she said.
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Who was elected president of Ireland?
What was the turnout in the presidential elections?
When will the inauguration of the new president take place?
Which parties supported Catherine Connolly in the election?
According to official results released on Saturday, Connolly won 63.36 percent. votes. Her rival Heather Humphreys from the center-right Fine Gael party received 29.46 percent. votes. Jim Gavin, nominated by the centrist Fianna Fail party, whose name was on the ballot but he withdrew from the race, won 7.18 percent.
Many invalid votes were cast
A total of PLN 1,656,000 was donated. 436 votes, including 213,000 invalid votes. 738, or 12.9 percent. The turnout was 45.8 percent. This means that it is higher compared to the previous elections in 2018, when it amounted to 43.9%. Over 3.5 million citizens were entitled to vote.
Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin, asked by RTE about the very large number of invalid votes, replied that the system of nominating candidates in the presidential elections was “a bit restrictive”. He added that he is “open to changes” on this issue. Currently, presidential candidates need nominations from 20 members of Parliament (Oireachtas) or at least four of 31 city or county councils.
Speaking to journalists, Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris also expressed concern about the large number of invalid votes. He said this showed “a large number of people in Ireland who clearly feel disaffected or disconnected from politics.”
Inauguration of the new president
Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said Connelly's win was a “stunning victory for optimism and hope over cynicism and negativity”. In addition to Sinn Fein, a number of other left-wing and social democratic parties supported an independent politician in the elections.
Connolly is the 10th president of Ireland since the office was created in the 1937 constitution. She takes over from Michael Higgins, who held the position for two seven-year terms. She is also the third woman elected to this office, following Mary Robinson in 1990 and Mary McAleese in 1997.
The inauguration of Catherine Connolly's presidency will take place on November 11 in the Saint's Hall. Patrick at Dublin Castle.
