Ireland votes for new president amid criticism over lack of choice

Dublin: Ireland voted on Friday to elect a new president, with independent left-wing lawmaker Catherine Connolly emerging as the frontrunner in a race criticised for offering voters little real choice. The election has seen growing calls for ballot spoiling and a predicted low turnout due to the limited options on the ballot.

Connolly, a 68-year-old barrister and member of parliament since 2016, is expected to defeat her sole remaining challenger, Heather Humphreys of the centrist Fine Gael party. The contest follows the withdrawal of a third centre-right candidate, Jim Gavin of Fianna Fáil, after a controversy over unpaid rent.

The outgoing president, Michael D. Higgins, 84, has held the largely ceremonial position since 2011. Polling stations opened at 7:00 am (0600 GMT) and closed at 10:00 pm (2100 GMT), with results anticipated on Saturday evening.

Connolly’s campaign has gained significant attention in recent weeks, bolstered by her viral social media appearances — including a football-juggling video — and her support from left-wing groups such as Sinn Féin. She has championed Ireland’s military neutrality, social justice, and independence from U.S. and EU influence.

Her opponent, Humphreys, 62, a former cabinet minister and member of Ireland’s small Protestant minority, positioned herself as a candidate of unity. Despite her efforts, public frustration has dominated the campaign, as voters lamented the narrow field — the smallest since 1990.

Calls from conservative groups to spoil ballots have grown after a right-wing or Catholic conservative candidate failed to make the ballot, having fallen short of the required parliamentary nominations.

Connolly’s expected victory marks a shift towards progressive, independent politics in Ireland, reflecting disillusionment with the country’s traditional centrist parties, Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil.

Dublin voters headed to the polls on Friday to elect Ireland’s next president in a race that has stirred debate more for its lack of diversity than for its political competition. The contest features just two active candidates — independent MP Catherine Connolly and Fine Gael’s Heather Humphreys — following the withdrawal of Fianna Fáil’s Jim Gavin earlier this month.

Connolly, 68, has seen her popularity surge in recent weeks thanks to a relatable campaign style and strong grassroots support. A barrister and parliamentarian, she has long advocated for social justice, neutrality in foreign affairs, and criticism of Western military influence. Her viral campaign moments and podcast appearances have resonated particularly with younger voters.

Humphreys, 62, a former government minister representing the centrist Fine Gael party, sought to present herself as a figure of unity and continuity. However, her campaign has faced an uphill battle amid widespread frustration at the narrow slate of candidates and the perceived absence of a strong right-wing contender.

A third contender, Jim Gavin — a former military pilot and Fianna Fáil nominee — remained on the ballot due to his late withdrawal after facing questions about unpaid rent. Conservative voters have expressed anger over the restrictive nomination rules that prevented a Catholic or right-wing figure from contesting, leading to public calls to spoil ballots in protest.

Outgoing president Michael D. Higgins, now 84, is stepping down after two seven-year terms in office. Known for his academic background and progressive stances, Higgins remains widely respected across political lines.

Polling closed at 10:00 pm local time, with counting set to begin overnight. Results are expected late on Saturday, with early indications suggesting a strong lead for Connolly.
(With AFP inputs)