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Voters in Ireland go to the polls on Friday to choose one of two women to be their new president for the next seven years, a largely ceremonial role. European Union Member countries.
Catherine Connolly, a left-wing independent MLA who is supported by Sinn Féin and is known for her strong stance against it. israelIs widely seen as the leading candidate to become head of state. The latest polls show she holds a significant lead with around 40% support from voters, ahead of the 20% to 25% for her rival Heather Humphreys, representing the centre-right party Fine Gael.
The two are the only contenders after others – including musician Bob Geldof and former mixed martial arts champion conor mcgregor – Failed to receive sufficient support for nomination.
The winner will succeed Michael D. Higgins, who has been president since 2011 and has served the maximum two seven-year terms.
Connolly and Humphreys faced off as they made their final appeal to voters Tuesday in a presidential TV debate.
Here’s what to know about the election:
Connolly’s parties on the left
Connolly, 68, is a former barrister who has been an independent MLA since 2016. He has drawn criticism for his views on the Palestinians and the extremist Hamas group, among other issues.
She was initially seen as an unlikely presidential candidate, but a third candidate, Jim Gavin of the Fianna Fáil party, dropped out of the race in early October after details of the financial scandal emerged, leaving her as the front-runner. Gavin’s name remains on the ballot, although he has stopped campaigning.
In September, the Prime Minister of Ireland michael martin Criticized Connolly’s comments calling Hamas “part of the fabric of the Palestinian people”, saying she appeared reluctant to condemn the terrorist group’s actions in the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, which ignited the two-year Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. He later said that he “utterly condemned” the actions of Hamas, while also criticizing Israel for carrying out the massacre in Gaza.
Opponents have said he risks alienating Ireland’s allies after warning about the increasing “militarization” of the EU. Some have also questioned his previous role as a lawyer representing banks that foreclosed on people’s homes.
Connolly has received support from left-leaning parties including Sinn Féin, the Labor Party and the Social Democrats.
She said this week that she would be “an absolutely independent president with an independent mind.” Her campaign website says she wants to be “a president for all people, especially those who are often excluded and silenced” and to be a “voice for equality and justice.”
Connolly began her political career when she was elected as a local political representative on Galway City Council in 1999. Five years later, she was elected mayor of Galway city.
Humphreys emphasizes centrist approach
Humphreys, 64, has been in government for more than a decade, previously holding a number of cabinet posts, where she oversaw arts and heritage, business and rural development.
She was first elected as a local politician in 2004 and was a member of parliament from 2011 to 2024. She has stressed that she is a pro-business, pro-EU candidate and will strive for unity and “build bridges” with communities. northern ireland,
“I’m a centrist person. Like most Irish people, I’m a centrist person,” he said at this week’s final presidential debate.
While Humphreys drew on his years of experience in government, Connolly criticized him as representing “more of the same”, saying he was associated with the approach of recent governments.
Humphreys is widely expected to lose to Connolly, despite receiving endorsements from Martin and three former Deputy Prime Ministers.
role of the president
The President appoints the Prime Minister, called the Taoiseach, after a vote in Parliament, as well as other government officials and judges on the advice of the Government.
The President also signs law bills passed by lawmakers, and can call new elections if the Prime Minister no longer has the support of lawmakers.
Although the role does not have the power to shape laws or policies, past presidents have been known to express their views on important issues. Higgins has also spoken about the war in Gaza and NATO spending, among other things.
when the results come out
Voting will close at 10 pm on Friday night. Counting of votes is starting from Saturday and the results are likely to be known by late Saturday night.
The new President will be inaugurated in a ceremony in Dublin Castle the following day.