Independent lawmaker Catherine Connolly is poised to become Ireland’s next president, following the concession of her only rival, Heather Humphreys of the Fine Gael party, after Friday’s ballot.

The Irish presidential election was marked by record-low voter turnout and a high number of spoiled ballots, reflecting growing political discontent.

As counting continued on Saturday, Connolly was on track for a landslide victory. Humphreys publicly congratulated her opponent, saying she looked forward to “Catherine Connolly becoming the next president of Ireland.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris also acknowledged Connolly’s win, stating: “She will be President for all this country. Her success will be Ireland’s success,” in a post on X.

Connolly, a 68-year-old independent with backing from several left-wing parties, including Sinn Féin, is expected to officially succeed President Michael Higgins, who has held the largely ceremonial role since 2011.

Known for her outspoken views, Catherine Connolly has criticized both the United States and the European Union. She has also expressed concern over Europe’s increasing military spending following the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022.

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Voter turnout reflect political discontent

The election was overshadowed by low voter turnout in Ireland, with polling stations reporting participation below 40 percent. According to The Irish Times, over 12 percent of ballots were invalidated, one of the highest levels of spoiled ballots recorded in an Irish election.

Conservative voices had urged voters to spoil their votes in protest, criticiZing the two-candidate race and the exclusion of a right-wing option. A conservative Catholic hopeful, once polling in double digits, failed to secure sufficient parliamentary support to make the ballot.

The limited choices left voters frustrated. A recent poll indicated that nearly half of those eligible did not feel represented by either candidate.

Irish politics in whirlwind

Political analysts called the result a turning point. Pat Leahy of The Irish Times described it as a political “earthquake” and “a disastrous day” for Ireland’s ruling coalition. He warned that Connolly’s presidency could introduce “uncertainty, and possibly conflict, into Irish politics.”

Professor Eoin O’Malley of Dublin City University said Connolly was “the clear winner” after the contest became “a referendum” on government performance.

While her victory is yet to be formally confirmed, Catherine Connolly’s ascent to the presidency marks a significant moment in Irish political life, and a message from voters frustrated by limited choices and disconnected leadership.

Read more: Ireland votes as Catherine Connolly heads for presidential landslide