(Al Jazeera Media Network) Left-wing independent candidate Catherine Connolly has won Ireland’s presidential election, securing 63 percent of the vote to defeat her centre-right rival.
Connolly, 68, was officially declared the winner of Friday’s vote after all 43 constituencies finished counting ballots on Saturday evening.
“I will be a president who listens, who reflects and who speaks when it’s necessary,” Connelly said in a speech at Dublin Castle.
“Together we can shape a new republic that values everybody,” she added.
Her competitor, Heather Humphreys, 64, of the Fine Gael party, conceded defeat hours before the official result.
“Catherine will be a president for all of us, and she will be my president, and I really would like to wish her all the very, very best,” Humphreys, who won 29.5 percent of the vote, had said earlier in the day.
Polls had suggested consistent and strong voter support for Connolly, a former barrister and independent lawmaker since 2016.
Connolly has been outspoken in criticising Israel over its war in Gaza and had garnered the backing of a range of left-leaning parties, including Sinn Fein, the Labour Party and the Social Democrats.
Her campaign was especially popular among young people, who approved of her strong pro-Palestine stance and her commitment to social justice, among other issues.
While Irish presidents represent the country on the world stage, host visiting heads of state and play an important constitutional role, they do not have the power to shape laws or policies.
Connolly will succeed Michael D Higgins, who has been president since 2011, having served the maximum two seven-year terms.
She will be Ireland’s 10th president and the third woman to hold the post.
