If you walked through the gates of Phoenix Park right now, past the grazing deer and the joggers, you'd find a massive white mansion known as Áras an Uachtaráin. For fourteen years, that house belonged to the poet-president Michael D. Higgins. But things have changed. Since November 11, 2025, a new face has been greeting world leaders and signing Irish laws. Catherine Connolly is the President of Ireland.
Honestly, her win was a bit of a shock to the system for the political establishment. She didn't just win; she absolutely crushed it. We're talking about a landslide that broke records held by some of the most famous names in Irish history.
Who is the President of Ireland right now?
So, who is she? Basically, Catherine Connolly is a 68-year-old former barrister from Galway. Before she moved into the big house in Dublin, she was a bit of a firebrand in the Dáil (the Irish parliament). She’s known for being incredibly principled, sometimes to the point of being stubborn, which is probably why the voters liked her so much.
She is Ireland's tenth president and only the third woman to ever hold the job. Following in the footsteps of Mary Robinson and Mary McAleese is no small feat. You've probably seen her on the news—she has this very calm, almost austere way of speaking that makes people stop and listen.
The 2025 election was a wild ride. It ended up being a three-horse race, but really, it was Connolly’s to lose from the start. She ran as an independent, which is kinda rare for someone who wins this big. She had the backing of almost the entire Irish left—Sinn Féin, the Social Democrats, the Labour Party, they all got behind her.
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The numbers behind the landslide
If you like stats, here’s a few that’ll make your head spin:
- 63.4% of the vote: That’s the highest percentage ever recorded in a contested Irish presidential election. She even beat Éamon de Valera’s old record.
- 914,143 votes: The largest personal mandate in the history of the state.
- 45.8% turnout: Not the highest we've ever seen, but enough to make the result undeniable.
Interestingly, there was a huge amount of spoiled ballots—over 200,000 of them. Some people think it was a protest against the other candidates, or maybe just confusion. Either way, it’s a detail most people gloss over.
What does the Irish President actually do?
This is where people get confused. If you're used to the American system, you might think Catherine Connolly is out there making tax laws or commanding the army to go to war. She isn't. Not even close.
In Ireland, the President is the "Head of State," but the Taoiseach (the Prime Minister) is the "Head of Government." Think of it like this: the Taoiseach does the dirty work of politics, while the President represents the soul of the country. It’s a largely ceremonial role, but it carries a massive amount of moral weight.
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The real powers of the office
Don't let the word "ceremonial" fool you into thinking the job is useless. The President has a few "reserve powers" that are actually quite scary if they ever have to use them.
- Refusing to dissolve the Dáil: If a Taoiseach loses their majority and asks for an election, the President can actually say "no" and tell them to try and form a new government instead.
- The Supreme Court Check: If the President thinks a new law might be unconstitutional, they can send it straight to the Supreme Court before signing it. This has happened a few times in the past and it’s a huge deal.
- Representing the Nation: They are the face of Ireland abroad. When Connolly travels to the UN or meets other presidents, she is the embodiment of the Irish people.
Why Catherine Connolly matters in 2026
We are currently in a very different world than we were a few years ago. Connolly’s presidency marks a shift. She’s been very vocal about Irish neutrality—something that’s been a hot topic lately given everything happening in Europe. She’s also a huge advocate for the Irish language. If you hear her giving a speech, she’ll often switch between English and Gaeilge seamlessly.
She grew up in a local authority house in Galway as one of 14 children. That "outsider" energy is exactly why she resonated with younger voters. They didn't want another career politician from the big two parties (Fianna Fáil or Fine Gael). They wanted someone who felt like a real person.
Living in the Steward’s Lodge
Here’s a fun bit of trivia: she isn't even living in the main part of Áras an Uachtaráin right now. The building is undergoing some pretty serious renovations, so she’s currently staying in the Steward’s Lodge nearby. It’s still in Phoenix Park, just a bit less grand while the builders are in.
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What’s next for the Presidency?
Catherine Connolly will be in office until late 2032. That is a long time. In that period, she’ll likely oversee some major anniversaries and potentially some huge constitutional changes. There’s always talk about Irish reunification, and as a pro-unification president, her voice will be central to that conversation.
If you’re looking to keep up with what she’s doing, the best way is to follow the official Presidential website or social media. She’s already started her "Presidential Seminars," which are basically big public debates about the future of the country.
Actionable Insights for Following the Irish Presidency:
- Check the official site: president.ie lists every single speech and official engagement. It’s surprisingly transparent.
- Watch the state visits: When she travels, look at the "Letter of Credence" ceremonies. It's old-school diplomacy that still matters.
- Listen to her Irish: Even if you don't speak a word of Gaeilge, listening to her use the language gives you a sense of the cultural importance of the office.
- Follow the Council of State: This is the group of advisors the President can call on. Watching who she appoints to this council tells you a lot about her priorities.
The President of Ireland might not have the power to change your taxes, but they have the power to change the conversation. Catherine Connolly is clearly planning on doing exactly that.