Will Catherine Connolly Make History as Ireland's 10th President?

The inauguration of the Republic of Ireland's 10th president, Catherine Connolly, will take place at Dublin Castle later today, marking a significant political transition. Connolly, an independent politician and former member of the Dáil Éireann (TD), won a decisive victory over Fine Gael’s Heather Humphreys. She will officially assume the role from Michael D. Higgins, whose 14-year presidency concluded at midnight.

Last updated: 07 November 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Today, Catherine Connolly will be inaugurated as the 10th president of the Republic of Ireland during a ceremonial event at Dublin Castle. The ceremony, attended by dignitaries, politicians, and judges, marks a new chapter in Irish politics as Connolly takes on the ceremonial role traditionally associated with representing the nation. Her election signifies a shift in leadership that may influence future political discourse in the Republic.

Key takeaways

Catherine Connolly was elected in a landslide victory, defeating Fine Gael's Heather Humphreys.
The inauguration will take place at Dublin Castle, attended by various political figures.
Connolly's election prompts a by-election in Galway West due to her parliamentary seat vacancy.

Timeline: how we got here

The journey to Connolly's inauguration has unfolded over the past few weeks:

31 October 2023: Connolly is elected president in a decisive vote.
07 November 2023: Inauguration ceremony at Dublin Castle.
Midnight, 07 November 2023: Michael D. Higgins' term as president officially ends.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Connolly's inauguration marks the first official transition to a new presidential term in the Republic since Higgins took office in 2011. Today's ceremony will highlight her commitment to the role and the values she represents.

What was already established

Catherine Connolly has been a TD since 2016 and has a background as a barrister and psychologist. Her presidency is seen as a continuation of progressive values, distinct from the traditional political landscape dominated by larger parties.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

While the president's role is non-executive, Connolly's presidency may influence discussions on socio-economic policies that affect cross-border relations and economic ties between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Businesses and jobs

Connolly's presidency could potentially foster a favourable climate for business initiatives aimed at enhancing cooperation between Ireland and the UK, especially in sectors like technology and renewable energy.

Policy and regulation

Her leadership will likely bring a focus on social issues such as healthcare, education, and climate change, which may lead to new discussions within the UK context regarding similar policies.

Numbers that matter

10: Number of presidents in the Republic of Ireland's history.
14: Years Michael D. Higgins served as president before Connolly's election.
68: Age of Catherine Connolly at her inauguration.

Definitions and jargon buster

TD: Teachta Dála, a member of the Irish parliament.
Taoiseach: The prime minister of Ireland.
Tánaiste: The deputy prime minister of Ireland.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate aftermath of her inauguration, Connolly is expected to outline her vision for her presidential term, focusing on unity and social progress.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Connolly's administration will likely begin shaping public policy discussions and advocating for legislative changes, particularly in areas like healthcare and social justice.

Signals to watch

Public speeches by Connolly concerning her priorities.
Changes in legislative agendas in the Dáil Éireann.
Response from political parties in Northern Ireland regarding her presidency.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about Connolly's initiatives and public statements.
Engage with local representatives regarding issues that matter to you.

Don’t

Disregard the significance of her presidency on social issues.
Assume continuity in policy without evaluating potential changes.

Checklist

Monitor news updates about the inauguration and Connolly's first actions.
Research her background for insight into potential policy directions.
Consider community engagement opportunities related to her initiatives.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Connolly's presidency is anticipated to bring progressive change, uncertainties remain regarding her ability to influence policy due to the primarily ceremonial nature of the role. Observers should be cautious about expectations, as her effectiveness may depend on collaboration with the Dáil Éireann and the government.

Bottom line

Catherine Connolly's inauguration as the 10th president of the Republic of Ireland represents a pivotal moment in Irish politics. As she begins her term, the focus will be on her leadership style and the initiatives she champions, which may impact both domestic and cross-border relations in the UK context.

FAQs

Who is Catherine Connolly?

Catherine Connolly is the newly elected president of the Republic of Ireland, having served as a TD since 2016 and working as a barrister and psychologist.

What is the role of the president in Ireland?

The president of Ireland serves as the head of state in a non-executive capacity, representing the nation in ceremonial functions.

Why is there a by-election in Galway West?

Connolly's election as president will trigger a by-election in Galway West as she vacates her seat in the Dáil Éireann.