Dublin, Ireland – October 25, 2025 – Catherine Connolly has emerged as a strong frontrunner in the race for Ireland’s next president, with early results indicating she is leading the race with over 73% of the vote. The first batch of tallies from the 2025 presidential election revealed a significant show of support for Connolly, particularly from voters in the Dublin Mid-West constituency.
While the turnout for the election was relatively low, with a turnout of only 43%, Connolly’s decisive lead in the initial votes marks a pivotal moment in the contest, especially following the withdrawal of former candidate Jim Gavin. The support for Connolly—who has been seen as a non-loyalist to the current Labour leadership—is seen by many as a sign of discontent with the political status quo and a call for change.
What Happened
On Friday, October 24, 2025, voters cast their ballots for the next president of Ireland, with a tight race between Connolly, former cabinet minister Heather Humphreys, and the recently withdrawn Jim Gavin. Early tallies from Adamstown count centre showed Connolly with 73% of the vote, securing an overwhelming majority as the frontrunner. Despite the low turnout, Connolly’s support indicates widespread frustration with current leadership.
Connolly’s opponent, Heather Humphreys, had previously been a favorite but failed to gain the same level of traction as Connolly, whose platform of progressive change resonated deeply with voters looking for a new direction. The withdrawal of Gavin due to a personal dispute also reshaped the landscape of the race, leaving the two remaining candidates to vie for voters’ support.
Who Was Catherine Connolly?
Catherine Connolly, a long-standing political figure, is known for her outspoken stance on issues like immigration, social equality, and sustainable economic policies. Before entering the presidential race, Connolly had served as a member of the Irish parliament and gained a reputation for her bold positions and commitment to her principles. With a background in activism and social justice, she had become a leader in advocating for policy reforms that resonate with a broad segment of the electorate.
Her presidency bid marks her ambition to break away from traditional party politics, offering an alternative vision of progressivism that contrasts with Ireland’s recent turn toward the right.
Career and Legacy of Connolly
Throughout her career, Connolly has consistently championed the rights of marginalized communities, while also focusing on improving Ireland’s housing and healthcare systems. Her involvement in public welfare has earned her praise from progressive circles, but critics argue that her views on immigration and social policies are too radical for the mainstream electorate.
Connolly’s rise in the polls, particularly in the absence of her main opponent Gavin, suggests that many voters are looking for a shift from the political establishment.
Public and Social Media Reactions
Social media platforms have been flooded with reactions to Connolly’s early victory. Supporters have celebrated her leadership, with many praising her long-standing commitment to improving Irish society. Some have called her the “voice of the future,” while others view her candidacy as a much-needed challenge to Ireland’s political establishment.
However, there have also been concerns about the number of spoiled votes, with voters expressing frustration with the candidates on offer. Messages such as “no democracy” and other anti-establishment sentiments have appeared on spoiled ballots, signaling dissatisfaction with the available choices.
Sinn Féin TD Eoin O’Broin has commented on the results, stating, “The number of spoiled votes is a clear indication that many voters are unhappy with the current political situation and feel that none of the candidates represent their interests.”
Official Statements and What Happens Next
After the announcement of the early results, Ivana Bacik, leader of the Irish Labour Party, praised Connolly’s performance, calling it “a significant step towards uniting the country under an alternative progressive vision.”
With the election set to take place over multiple rounds, the next few days will determine if Connolly can maintain her momentum. Following the first count, she appears to have the lead, but as the process continues, we will see whether her support grows or if Humphreys or other candidates mount a comeback.
The election’s final results, which will be officially declared by the presidential returning officer Barry Ryan, are expected after all 43 constituencies have completed their counts. A significant portion of the country remains unsure about what direction the election will ultimately take, but Connolly’s position as the clear leader for now has shifted the political conversation in Ireland.
Closing Statement
The 2025 Irish presidential race continues to unfold, with Catherine Connolly emerging as a strong contender to replace Michael D. Higgins. Her policies on progressive issues and her call for change have resonated with a broad swath of voters, but the final results remain to be seen. Authorities continue to count the votes, and updates on the outcome will be shared once all districts have completed their processes.
