What to know about Ireland’s election as the country votes for a new president

Voters in Ireland head to the polls on Friday to elect one of two women as the new president for the next seven years; this is a largely ceremonial duty in the European Union member state.

Catherine Connolly, a left-wing independent MP who has the support of Sinn Féin and is known for her strong stance against Israel, is widely seen as the leading candidate to become president. Latest polls show him with a significant lead, with around 40% support from voters, 20% to 25% ahead of his rival Heather Humphreys, who represents centre-right party Fine Gael.

The two are the only contenders to fail to gain enough support for the nomination, after others including musician Bob Geldof and former mixed martial arts champion Conor McGregor.

The winner will replace Michael D. Higgins, who has been president since 2011 and has served a maximum of two seven-year terms.

Connolly and Humphreys faced off Tuesday as they made their final pitch to voters in a televised presidential debate.

Here’s what you need to know about the election:

Parties at left-back Connolly

Connolly, 68, is a former lawyer who has been an independent MP since 2016. He has faced criticism for his views on Palestinians and the militant Hamas group, among other issues.

He was previously seen as an unlikely presidential candidate, but became the front-runner after third candidate Jim Gavin from the Fianna Fail party withdrew from the race in early October after details of the financial scandal emerged. Although he stops campaigning, Gavin’s name remains on the ballot.

In September, Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin criticized Connolly’s comments calling Hamas “part of the fabric of the Palestinian people” and said Connolly appeared unwilling to condemn the militant group’s actions in the October 7, 2023 Israeli attack, which sparked the two-year Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. He later claimed to “totally condemn” the actions of Hamas and also criticized Israel for committing what he said was genocide in Gaza.

Opponents have said Ireland risks alienating its allies after the country warned of the increasing “militarisation” of the EU. Some also questioned his past role as a lawyer representing banks that seized people’s homes.

Connolly received support from left-leaning parties including Sinn Féin, Labor and the Social Democrats.

This week he said he would be “an absolutely independent president with an independent mind.” His campaign website states that he wants to be “a president of all people, especially those who are too often excluded and silenced” and a “voice for equality and justice.”

Connolly began his political career in 1999 when he was elected as the local political representative on the Galway City Council. Five years later, he was elected mayor of the city of Galway.

Humphreys emphasizes centrist approach

Humphreys, 64, has been in government for more than a decade and previously held various Cabinet positions where he oversaw arts and heritage, business and rural development.

He was first elected as a local politician in 2004 and served as a member of parliament from 2011 to 2024. He stressed that he was a pro-business, pro-EU candidate and would strive for unity and “build bridges” with communities in Northern Ireland.

“I’m a center-of-the-center kind of person. Like most Irish people, I’m a middle-of-the-road kind of person,” he said at the final presidential debate this week.

While Humphreys highlighted his many years of experience in government, Connolly criticized him as representing “more of the same” and said he was in line with the views of recent governments.

Despite receiving support from Martin and three former deputy prime ministers, Humphreys is expected to lose to Connolly.

President’s role

The president appoints the prime minister, who is called the Taoiseach following a vote in parliament, as well as other government officials and judges on the advice of the government.

The president also signs bills passed by MPs and can call new elections if the prime minister no longer has the support of MPs.

While the role does not have the authority to shape laws or policies, past presidents have been known to express their views on important issues. Higgins also spoke about the war in Gaza and NATO spending, among other things.

When will the results be known?

Polls close at 22:00 on Friday. Counting will begin on Saturday and the result is likely to be known late on Saturday.

The new president will take office the next day at a ceremony to be held in Dublin Castle.