"Leftwing firebrand Catherine Connolly poised for Irish presidency"

The lights faded as the audience at Vicar Street, a Dublin concert hall, turned their attention to the stage.

The host exchanged sharp remarks about Ireland’s leadership, though the crowd needed little encouragement—the energy in the room was already high. Soon, they erupted into a chant. “I say Catherine. You say?”

The reply was deafening. “Connolly!”

Unless there is an unexpected shift, Catherine Connolly, a figure unknown to many in Ireland just months ago, is poised to win the presidential election on Friday and take office as the country’s next leader.

Growing frustration over housing shortages and living costs, missteps by the governing coalition of Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil, an unusually united opposition, and skillful social media engagement have positioned Connolly as a force for transformation.

At Monday’s event, the left-leaning independent candidate stepped onstage—her silver hair stark against her dark attire, a quiet smile on her face.

As the cheers died down, she spoke first in Irish, then English. “What we have accomplished together is beyond measure.”

Her tone was gentle, her accent distinctly from Galway. “We want a republic we can take pride in—one that rejects the acceptance of war crimes, ignores homelessness, or tolerates endless waiting lists. But tonight is for celebration.”

The crowd and performers, including Christy Moore and the Mary Wallopers, obliged, turning the night into a raucous mix of folk music, rebellious spirit, and political passion that resembled a victory rally.

Polls show Connolly, 68, leading comfortably over her establishment opponent, Heather Humphreys, in the race to become Ireland’s 10th president, succeeding Michael D Higgins.

“She represents something new—a different way of thinking,” said Cian Murray, 22, an environmental science student in attendance. Hannah McGinley, 25, from Donegal, added, “The current leadership has let us down. Young people are leaving. All my friends are in Canada or Australia. When I go home, the place feels empty.”

The possibility of Connolly occupying Áras an Uachtaráin for seven years excites some—including the rap group Kneecap—but leaves others uneasy. Nearly half of voters feel disconnected from both candidates, raising worries about low participation and a high number of invalid votes.

Though the presidency is largely symbolic, critics fear Connolly’s views may strain ties with European allies. She has criticized NATO, likened Germany’s military spending to pre-war eras, opposed EU treaties, and described Hamas as “woven into Palestinian society.” Observers have drawn parallels to Jeremy Corbyn.

Born in Shantalla, a working-class area of Galway, Connolly lost her mother at nine, leaving her father, a carpenter, to raise the family.