Viral on Instagram: Ireland's Catherine Connolly vows to be an 'inclusive' president

A one-minute video of the newly elected president of Ireland, Catherine Connolly, has been going viral and not for her landslide victory but for her speech.

Catherine Connolly has become the 10th president of the Republic of Ireland after defeating Fine Gael's Heather Humphreys, who had already conceded to her rival.

The result, long clear from early tallies, was officially declared at Dublin Castle.


In the video, which is going viral, Connolly has made her acceptance speech first in Irish and then in English.

" From day one, I emphasised that I was an independent candidate with an independent mind. And for all who voted for me, thank you very much. It will be an absolute privilege to serve you. For those who didn't vote for me and those who spoiled their votes, let me tell you, I will be an inclusive president to listen to all of you. I will be making no distinction on the basis of votes. I will be a president who listens and who reflects and who speaks when it's necessary." she said.


"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. And we need to recognise that and ensure it is properly resourced."

How people reacted to her speech

Her speech moved everyone.

Viewers on Instagram commented, "Do you even realize how lucky you are Ireland?"

Another user said, "Ms. Connolly should be an example to all global leaders! Hats off to her for her dignity, commitment and intelligence."

One of the user said, "Ms. Connolly should be an example to all global leaders! Hats off to her for her dignity, commitment and intelligence."

Another Instagram user said, "You are the politician we all need! Thank you for your words!"

How left-establishment won election

Dublin correspondent Gabija Gataveckaite reported that Connolly positioned herself as the anti-establishment contender challenging the government’s preferred candidate, Humphreys.

In recent weeks, Connolly described her campaign as a “movement,” and her victory is now being seen as a decisive mandate from voters, BBC reported.

After spoiled ballots were excluded, Humphreys secured 29% of first-preference votes, while Fianna Fáil’s Jim Gavin — who had withdrawn from the race but remained on the ballot — received 7%.

A record 213,738 votes were declared invalid, with voter turnout standing at 46%. Humphreys managed to win only in Cavan–Monaghan, the constituency she had represented from 2011 to 2024.