Connolly Projected to Win Irish Presidency

Catherine Connolly is projected to become Ireland’s tenth president after commanding leads in counts nationwide and receiving a concession from Fine Gael candidate Heather Humphreys. Backed by Sinn Féin and a coalition of left parties, Connolly topped first-preference counts in several counties, often polling well ahead of rivals. Politicians across the spectrum — including Humphreys, Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Tánaiste Simon Harris and Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald — congratulated her and said they will work with the incoming president. The count produced an unusually high number of spoilt ballots bearing anti-government and protest messages, prompting concern about voter disaffection. Humphreys said she had no regrets about contesting and described sectarian abuse of her family during the campaign; Connolly, a left-wing former TD known for outspoken international views, said she was “absolutely delighted” and thanked supporters.