Left-wing independent Catherine Connolly was on Saturday declared the winner of Ireland’s presidential election, beating her centrist opponent by a huge margin in a contest marred by spoilt ballots.
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Connolly, 68, a lawyer, lawmaker and outspoken critic of both the United States and European Union, won over 63 per cent of the ballots, well ahead of centrist candidate Heather Humphreys, who received 29.5 per cent of the votes.
Her victory, however, was marred by a record number of spoiled ballots and other voters failing to turn up, amid frustration at the lack of right-wing options and issues including immigration and crime.
Connolly’s election to a post with limited political power could nonetheless herald an era of increased friction between Ireland’s largely ceremonial presidency and government.
Deputy Prime Minister and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris was quick to wish Connolly “every success”, adding “she will be president for all this country”.
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“Her success will be Ireland’s success,” he posted on social media.