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Investigates Investigates Money Diaries The Journal TV Climate Crisis Cost of Living Road Safety Newsletters Temperature Check Inside the Newsroom The Journal Investigates Daft.ie Property Allianz Home The 42 Sport TG4 Entertainment The Explainer A deep dive into one big news story Sport meets news, current affairs, society & pop culture have your say Or create a free account to join the discussion Advertisement More Stories President-elect Catherine Connolly arriving at Dublin Castle this evening.Alamy Stock Photo new woman in the áras Connolly pledges to 'shape a new republic' as she's elected president with largest vote ever Connolly will be inaugurated next month. 7.21pm, 25 Oct 2025 Share options LAST UPDATE CATHERINE CONNOLLY HAS officially been elected as President of Ireland, promising to “shape a new republic that values everybody”. President-elect Connolly will be inaugurated as the country’s 10th president next month after she won yesterday’s election by a huge margin. Speaking after her victory, Connolly urged people to “use your voice in every way you can” and promised to be a president for those who voted for her and those who didn’t. The victory for the Galway Independent was clear as soon as ballot boxes were open this morning, such was the margin of her win. After the first count was completed, Connolly won in every constituency in the country except Cavan-Monaghan, home to her opponent Heather Humphreys. Connolly exceeded the record number of first preference votes secured by her predecessor President Michael D Higgins in 2018 when there were still three constituencies left to declare today. Advertisement Overall, Connolly received 914,143 first-preference votes to Humphreys’ 424,987 votes and 103,568 votes for Jim Gavin. There were also 213,738 spoiled ballots, a clear record amid widespread dissatisfaction with the the small number of candidates on the ballot. Connolly is currently a TD for Galway-West and her candidacy was supported by a coalition of left-leaning parties in the Dáil. Sinn Féin, Labour, The Social Democrats and People Before Profit all supported Connolly’s candidacy and these parties will now be seeking to build on Connolly’s victory. Taoiseach Micheál Martin has congratulated Connolly in Dublin Castle this evening. Connolly speaking at Dublin Castle this evening.Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Speaking after her victory, Connolly said she would be “an inclusive president”. “From day one, I emphasised that I was an independent candidate with an independent mind. For all who voted for me, thank you very much. It will be an absolute privilege to serve you,” she said. For those who didn’t vote for me and those who spoiled their votes, let me tell you, I will be an inclusive president to listen to all of you. I will be making no distinction on the basis of votes. Related Reads Never in doubt: Connolly freewheeled her way to the Áras in space of three months This election was a testing ground for left-wing parties ... but can they stay united? She added: “I will be a president who listens and who reflects and who speaks when it’s necessary, and a voice for peace, a voice that builds on our policy of neutrality, a voice that articulates the existential threat posed by climate change.” “My message is, use your voice in every way you can, because a republic and a democracy need constructive questioning. Together we can shape a new republic that values everybody, that values and champions diversity and that takes confidence in our own identity, our Irish language, our English language, and the new people who have come to our country, I will be an inclusive president for all of you, and I regard it as an absolute honour.” Speaking after Connolly, defeated candidate Humphreys said: “I know that Catherine will be a president for all of us. Can I say Catherine will be my president, and I really want to wish her well. This is her evening.” Taoiseach Micheál Martin congratulated Connolly, saying that it was “an outstanding honour that has been bestowed upon her by the people of Ireland.” “The people are sovereign in our democracy, we have one of the oldest democracies in the world, and it’s something we cherish very much indeed,” the Taoiseach said. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Support The Journal Rónán Duffy View 52 comments Send Tip or Correction Embed this post To embed this post, copy the code below on your site Email “Connolly pledges to 'shape a new republic' as she's elected president with largest vote ever”. Recipient's Email Feedback on “Connolly pledges to 'shape a new republic' as she's elected president with largest vote ever”. Your Feedback Your Email (optional) Report a Comment Please select the reason for reporting this comment. Please give full details of the problem with the comment... This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy before taking part. Leave a Comment Submit a report Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines. Damaging the good reputation of someone, slander, or libel. Racism or Hate speech An attack on an individual or group based on religion, race, gender, or beliefs. Trolling or Off-topic An attempt to derail the discussion. Inappropriate language Profanity, obscenity, vulgarity, or slurs. Advertising, phishing, scamming, bots, or repetitive posts. Please provide additional information Thank you for the feedback Your feedback has been sent to our team for review. Leave a commentcancel Newly created accounts can only comment using The Journal app. This is to add an extra layer of security to account creation. Download and sign into the app to continue. Access to the comments facility has been disabled for this user View our policy ⚠️ Duplicate comment Post Comment have your say Or create a free account to join the discussion Catherine Connolly new woman in the áras News in 60 seconds Catherine Connolly soaks up huge victory and historic mandate How did your constituency vote? Here are the full results of the presidential election When does Michael D Higgins finish up and when will Catherine Connolly be inaugurated? 22 mins ago not their day The Fine Gael presidential curse: how the party have performed in every race for the Áras 51 mins ago Clocks Going Back Doctor: As the time on the clock goes back, make sure you're listening to your body clock too Finish Line Never in doubt: Connolly freewheeled her way to the Áras in space of three months This election was a testing ground for left-wing parties ... but can they stay united? Christina Finn reports from Dublin Castle Catherine Connolly soaks up huge victory and historic mandate The Morning Lead Ireland's next president: The votes have been cast, but when will we know the offical result? 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