Catherine Connolly Sweeps Irish Presidential Election

Catherine Connolly, a left-wing backed MP, is expected to become the next President of Ireland, as members of the ruling parties conceded defeat.

Early results from the vote count show a wide lead for the 68-year-old Connolly, who ran as an independent candidate. **Heather Humphreys**, from Fine Gael, was the only other candidate. Fianna Fáil's candidate, **Jim Gavin**, withdrew his candidacy shortly before the election.

Unofficial results give Connolly **64%** of the vote, Humphreys **29%**, and Gavin **7%**, according to the **Guardian**. Voter turnout was low at 40%, with invalid ballots at a historic high of 13%.

"Catherine will be president for all of us," said Humphreys.

Connolly, a former clinical psychologist and lawyer, was first elected to Parliament in 2016. The Irish presidency is a **largely ceremonial office**.

Final results are expected later today.