Catherine Connolly is the right President for Ireland

The presidency isn’t about party manifestos. It’s about judgment, independence, and the moral authority to represent the State—and to use constitutional powers carefully when needed. The President signs laws, can refer bills to the Supreme Court, appoints judges and governments on advice, and represents Ireland at home and abroad. It’s a largely non-executive role, but not a passive one.

Catherine Connolly fits that brief. As Leas-Cheann Comhairle from 2020 to 2024—the first woman ever to hold either chair in the Dáil—she presided over debates with impartiality. That is the closest day-to-day audition for the Áras we have, and she’s done it in real time, under pressure, without a party whip.

Her professional background matters too. Connolly worked as a clinical psychologist before qualifying as a barrister. Listening, weighing evidence, and communicating clearly are core parts of both jobs—and exactly what you want in a head of state whose words must be careful and whose interventions must be rare but credible. She’s also a fluent Gaeilgeoir, which strengthens the presidency’s role as custodian of our culture.

If you want a President who is independent of the big party machines but able to convene across divides, look at who is backing her. Connolly’s campaign has drawn support from the Social Democrats, Labour (despite some internal dissent), the Greens, People Before Profit, Sinn Féin, and several independents. That breadth is unusual—and useful for a unifying, non-partisan office.

Substance isn’t just endorsements. Connolly has set out a presidency grounded in inclusion, neutrality, human rights, and what she calls “compassionate diplomacy”—the kind of outward-facing voice Ireland relies on in EU and UN settings. Agree or disagree with specific stances, she is consistent, plain-spoken, and clear about the constitutional limits of the office.

There’s also her stance on the trappings of office. Connolly has said she would examine the €330k presidential salary with a view to the “common good,” and has publicly discussed not taking the full amount. Optics aren’t everything, but in a cost-of-living squeeze the signal—service over status—counts.

The presidency asks for independence of mind, respect for constitutional boundaries, an instinct for inclusion, and the credibility to speak for Ireland without picking unnecessary fights. On record rather than rhetoric—chairing experience, professional training, Irish language, cross-party support, and a clear values compass—Catherine Connolly is the best choice to be our next President.