Catherine Connolly is the current President of Ireland, having been elected as the nation’s tenth head of state on October 25, 2025. A former clinical psychologist, barrister, and Independent Teachta Dála (TD) for Galway West, she made history as the third woman to hold the office and the first former Leas-Cheann Comhairle (Deputy Speaker) to be elevated to the presidency. Her landslide victory, securing 63% of the first-preference votes, reflected a significant shift in the Irish political landscape toward independent, left-leaning leadership. Throughout this guide, you will explore her early life in Galway, her dual careers in healthcare and law, her staunch advocacy for the Irish language, and her transition from local council politics to the highest office in the land. Whether you are interested in her policy positions on neutrality or her historic role in Dáil Éireann, this comprehensive overview provides the essential facts about one of Ireland’s most influential contemporary figures. Early Life and Family Catherine Martina Ann Connolly was born on July 12, 1957, and grew up in the Shantalla area of Galway City. She was raised in a large family as the ninth of 14 siblings, living in one of the city’s first social housing developments. Her father was a skilled carpenter and boatbuilder, known for constructing traditional Galway hooker sailing boats. This upbringing in a bustling, working-class household deeply influenced her later political views on social equity and community support. She has often cited her early experiences in Galway as the foundation of her “socialism,” learned through local volunteering and community engagement. Academic Background and Education Connolly’s educational journey began at University College Galway (now University of Galway), where she earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology in the late 1970s. She continued her studies abroad at the University of Leeds, completing a master’s degree in clinical psychology in 1981. After practicing as a psychologist for several years, she pivoted to a legal career, returning to the University of Galway for a law degree in 1989. She completed her professional training at King’s Inns in Dublin and was called to the Bar as a barrister in 1991. Career in Clinical Psychology Before entering the legal or political arenas, Connolly worked extensively as a clinical psychologist within the Irish healthcare system. Her work focused on mental health and community care, providing her with direct insight into the social challenges facing Irish families. This professional background is often reflected in her legislative work, where she has consistently advocated for a health-led approach to addiction. Her transition from psychology to law was motivated by a desire to combine care-giving with systemic advocacy for the vulnerable. Legal Career as a Barrister Starting in 1991, Connolly practiced as a barrister for over two decades, primarily based in the Western Circuit. Her legal work frequently involved family law, personal injury cases, and representing individuals in disputes against state bodies. Her reputation in the courtroom was built on a meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to human rights and due process. This legal expertise later proved invaluable during her tenure on the Public Accounts Committee, where she was known for rigorous questioning of state spending. Entry into Local Politics Connolly’s political career began in 1999 when she was elected to the Galway City Council as a member of the Labour Party. She represented the South ward and quickly became a prominent voice in local governance, focusing on housing and infrastructure. In 2004, she made history by becoming the Mayor of Galway, leading the city during a period of significant cultural and economic growth. Her time in local government was characterized by a focus on transparency and the protection of public spaces. Departure from Labour Party In 2006, Connolly made the significant decision to leave the Labour Party following a dispute over candidate selection for the upcoming general election. The party had opted to run a single candidate in Galway West, leading Connolly to resign and continue her career as an Independent. Her move to independence allowed her to develop a distinct political brand that was not beholden to party whips or national leadership. This independence became a core part of her appeal to voters who felt disillusioned with mainstream political structures. Path to Dáil Éireann After narrowly missing a seat in the 2011 general election by just 17 votes, Connolly was finally elected as a TD for Galway West in 2016. She ran on a platform of social justice, accountability, and the promotion of the Irish language (Gaeilge). During her time as a TD, she became a “stalwart” of the Dáil, known for her principled stances and her refusal to join government coalitions. She maintained her seat in the 2020 general election, further solidifying her status as a leading independent voice. Role as Leas-Cheann Comhairle In July 2020, Connolly achieved a historic milestone when she was elected Leas-Cheann Comhairle (Deputy Speaker) of Dáil Éireann. She was the first woman to ever hold this prestigious position, defeating the government’s preferred candidate in a surprise secret ballot. As Deputy Speaker, she earned widespread respect from all political parties for her impartial chairing of debates and her mastery of parliamentary procedure. Her tenure was marked by a commitment to ensuring that backbench and independent TDs had a fair opportunity to be heard. Advocacy for the Irish Language A fluent Irish speaker, Connolly has been one of the most vocal proponents of the language in the Oireachtas. She served as the Chair of the Committee on the Irish Language, the Gaeltacht, and the Irish-speaking Community. She frequently conducts her parliamentary business in Irish and has pushed for better services for Gaeltacht regions. For Connolly, the language is not just a cultural relic but a living part of Irish identity that deserves modern state support. 2025 Presidential Election Victory In July 2025, Connolly announced her candidacy for the Presidency of Ireland as an independent candidate. Her campaign, centered on “equality, integrity, and independence,” resonated with a broad cross-section of the electorate, particularly among younger and left-leaning voters. On October 25, 2025, she won the election in the first round with a record-breaking 914,143 votes. She was inaugurated as the tenth President of Ireland on November 11, 2025, succeeding Michael D. Higgins in the Áras an Uachtaráin. Key Policy Positions President Connolly has long been associated with “anti-establishment” and socialist-leaning policies throughout her career. She is a staunch defender of Irish neutrality, frequently criticizing moves toward European military integration or NATO cooperation. Domestically, she has been a consistent advocate for the “Right to Housing” and has criticized the neoliberal economic policies of successive governments. Her presidency is expected to focus on social inclusion, disability justice, and the protection of civil liberties. International Relations and Neutrality Connolly is widely regarded as a pacifist who believes Ireland’s role on the world stage should be as a mediator and peacekeeper. She has been a vocal critic of international conflicts and has frequently spoken out in support of Palestinian rights. Her views on the European Union are nuanced; while she supports membership, she has criticized the EU’s “military-industrial complex.” She maintains that Ireland should use its unique position as a non-aligned nation to foster global diplomacy. Practical Information and Planning For those interested in the Office of the President or visiting the official residence, certain protocols and schedules are maintained. The President’s role is primarily ceremonial, but it carries significant moral authority in Irish society. Official Residence: Áras an Uachtaráin, Phoenix Park, Dublin. Public Access: Guided tours of the Áras are typically available on Saturdays, though they must be booked in advance. Cost: Tours of the official residence are free of charge to the public. Transport: The Phoenix Park is accessible via Dublin Bus (Routes 37, 38, 39) or the Luas Red Line (Heuston Station stop). What to Expect: Visitors can view the state rooms, the gardens, and learn about the history of the presidency. Frequently Asked Questions Who is Catherine Connolly? Catherine Connolly is an Irish politician, former barrister, and clinical psychologist who was elected as the 10th President of Ireland in October 2025. What was the result of the 2025 Irish Presidential Election? Catherine Connolly won a landslide victory, securing 63% of the first-preference votes, defeating her main rival Heather Humphreys. How many women have been President of Ireland? Catherine Connolly is the third woman to hold the office, following in the footsteps of Mary Robinson (1990–1997) and Mary McAleese (1997–2011). Where did Catherine Connolly grow up? She was born and raised in the Shantalla and Claddagh areas of Galway City, one of 14 siblings. What is Catherine Connolly’s political background? She served as a Galway City Councillor, Mayor of Galway, and an Independent TD for Galway West before becoming President. What was her role in the Dáil before the presidency? She served as the Leas-Cheann Comhairle (Deputy Speaker) of Dáil Éireann from 2020 to 2024, the first woman to hold the post. Is she a member of a political party? No, she is an Independent. She was previously a member of the Labour Party but left in 2006. What are her views on Irish neutrality? She is a passionate advocate for military neutrality and has consistently opposed Ireland’s participation in international military alliances or NATO-related programs. Final Thoughts The election of Catherine Connolly as the tenth President of Ireland represents a watershed moment in the nation’s political history. By moving from the fringes of independent local politics in Galway to the highest office in the land, Connolly has demonstrated the growing appetite among the Irish electorate for a leadership style rooted in authenticity, social justice, and unwavering principle. Her record-breaking victory in 2025 serves as a mandate for a presidency that prioritizes the “voice of the people” over the interests of the political establishment. As she settles into her seven-year term at Áras an Uachtaráin, President Connolly’s legacy is already being shaped by her commitment to the Irish language, her staunch defense of neutrality, and her focus on inclusivity. For a generation facing challenges in housing and social equity, she stands as a symbol of hope—a president who transitioned from the courtroom and the Dáil to become a unifying moral figure for a modern, progressive Ireland. 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