Catherine Connolly’s journey to Áras an Uachtaráin is the story of perseverance, conviction, and an unwavering belief in social justice. At 68, Connolly becomes Ireland’s 10th president — following Michael D. Higgins, Mary Robinson, and Mary McAleese – and continuing the country’s proud tradition of progressive, independent leaders.
Born and raised in the Galway suburb of Shantalla as one of 14 children (seven boys and seven girls), Connolly’s upbringing shaped her deep empathy for working families and communities often overlooked by power. Her father, a carpenter and boat-builder, instilled a love of craft and independence – values that would guide her through a long and sometimes uphill political career.
A Lifelong Commitment to Public Service
Connolly’s path to politics began long before her election to the Dáil in 2016. After earning a master’s degree in clinical psychology from the University of Leeds and a law degree from the University of Galway, she qualified as a Barrister-at-Law in 1991. Her combination of psychological insight and legal expertise later became hallmarks of her political voice – calm, analytical, but often unflinchingly direct.
Her public life started in local government. Elected to Galway City Council in 1999 under the Labour Party, she rose to become Mayor of Galway in 2004. But her independence of thought soon led to tension with party leadership. When Labour decided not to field a second candidate alongside Michael D. Higgins in the 2007 general election, Connolly left the party to stand on her own terms.
Narrow Losses, Narrow Wins — and a Breakthrough
Connolly’s early runs for national office were marked by resilience. In 2007, she won just over 2,000 votes. Four years later, she missed out on a Dáil seat by only 17 votes – an experience that would have crushed most candidates. Instead, Connolly returned to community activism, doubling down on housing, mental health, and environmental issues.
Her persistence paid off in 2016 when she was elected as an Independent TD for Galway West. Once in the Dáil, Connolly quickly established herself as an outspoken critic of inequality. In her maiden speech, she targeted the government’s handling of homelessness and housing – issues she continues to highlight as emblematic of Ireland’s social challenges.
A Career Defined by Principle
Throughout her time in public office, Connolly earned a reputation for speaking truth to power. She served on the Public Accounts Committee and chaired the Committee on the Irish Language, the Gaeltacht and the Islands, demonstrating her commitment to cultural preservation and government accountability.
In 2020, Connolly was re-elected and became the first woman ever to hold the position of Leas Ceann Comhairle – Deputy Chair of the Dáil – a role that required impartiality and diplomatic skill. Colleagues from all sides of the chamber praised her calm authority and fairness, qualities that would later bolster her presidential campaign.
Controversies and Character Tests
Connolly’s 2025 campaign was not without controversy. Media scrutiny focused on a 2018 trip to Syria with TDs Clare Daly, Mick Wallace, and Maureen O’Sullivan, as well as her hiring of a former convict as a parliamentary assistant. Connolly acknowledged that meeting a supporter of Bashar al-Assad had been “certainly a mistake” but defended the trip’s humanitarian intent.
On the hiring issue, she stood firm: “She had impeccable credentials and was deserving of rehabilitation, having served her time.” That willingness to stand by her decisions – even under political fire – became emblematic of Connolly’s integrity.
Champion of Neutrality and Global Solidarity
One of Connolly’s most consistent positions has been her defence of Irish neutrality. Speaking under the banner of the Irish Neutrality League earlier this year, she voiced frustration at the suggestion that Ireland was “freeloading” on EU defence efforts. For Connolly, neutrality isn’t isolation – it’s moral leadership.
“We have had a tradition of neutrality, and there’s an onus on us to ask how we’ve drifted from it,” she said. “The Triple Lock has been part of our policy for a very long time.”
Equally, Connolly’s outspoken support for Palestine has drawn both admiration and criticism. In one of her final campaign speeches, she declared: “We are witnessing a genocide. As president, I would travel to Palestine to show solidarity on behalf of the Irish people.”
Her comments to the BBC about Hamas – later clarified to emphasize that “both sides have committed war crimes” – underscored her belief in nuance and dialogue, even when such positions invite controversy.
The Road to the Presidency
Connolly’s presidential bid gained momentum after left-leaning parties – including Sinn Féin, Labour, the Greens, and the Social Democrats- united behind her candidacy. Their endorsement was described as a “game changer,” transforming Connolly from an independent outsider into a serious contender.
Her campaign message was clear: “A president for all the people, especially those excluded and silenced.” It resonated with younger voters and progressives frustrated with establishment politics. Despite attacks from opponents highlighting her record as a barrister representing financial institutions, Connolly maintained that her professional background made her more capable of understanding Ireland’s complex justice system.
Style and Substance
Connolly’s personal touches also captured the public imagination. When asked about her home life, she spoke affectionately of her two cats – “Cat One and Cat Two” – prompting social media affection and a wave of memes about whether they’d move into Áras an Uachtaráin.
Her modesty, Galway roots, and humour gave voters a sense of authenticity – something increasingly rare in modern politics. “I am still a Galway woman,” she said during one campaign stop. “I just want to serve people honestly and with compassion.”
Looking Ahead
When Catherine Connolly takes the oath of office on 11 November at Dublin Castle, she will join a line of presidents stretching from Douglas Hyde to Michael D. Higgins. Like them, she inherits a largely ceremonial role – yet one with immense symbolic power.
Connolly has already acknowledged the need for restraint in her new position, citing her experience as Leas Ceann Comhairle as proof she can separate personal conviction from institutional responsibility. Still, few doubt that she will bring moral clarity and empathy to the presidency.
As she prepares to move from Galway to the Phoenix Park residence, her story serves as a reminder that Irish politics still rewards conviction over convenience. Catherine Connolly’s road to Áras an Uachtaráin may have been long, but it was paved with purpose.
