London [UK], October 27: Left-wing independent Catherine Connolly pledged to be a president for all after being elected as Ireland's 10th president.
The former barrister from Galway, who secured 63% of first preferences, was embraced by the leaders of the left-wing opposition parties that united to back her as a presidential candidate as she arrived at Dublin Castle for the result to be confirmed. The election was marked by a significant number of spoiled votes, with 213,738 invalid polls nationwide, representing a tenfold increase on the last presidential election in 2018.
Addressing the assembled crowd after being declared the winner, Connolly said: "I will be a president who listens and reflects and who speaks when it's necessary.
"I will be a voice for peace, a voice that builds on our policy of neutrality, a voice that articulates the existential threat posed by climate change, and a voice that recognises the tremendous work being done the length and breadth of the country."
"Our whole mantra during this campaign was that we can shape a new republic together, and we can use our voices for those who haven't the ability, or for whom the circumstances don't allow it. But my message is, use your voice in every way you can, because our public and democracy needs constructive questioning and, together, we can shape a new republic that values everybody, that values and champions diversity and that takes confidence in our own identity, our Irish language, our English language, and new people who have come to our country."
Source: Qatar Tribune