Far-left Catherine Connolly wins Irish presidency after controversial Hamas comments, calling Israel a 'terrorist state'

Independent far-left lawmaker Catherine Connolly won Ireland’s presidential election by a wide margin on Saturday, securing 63.4% of the vote against former Cabinet Minister Heather Humphreys, who received 29.5%.

In September, Connolly legitimized Hamas as “part of the civil society of Palestine.”

"[Hamas] were elected by the people the last time there was an election. Overwhelming support for them back in 2006 or 2007. They are part of the civil society of Palestine. We're reliant on them for figures in relation to the deaths," Connolly stated, referring to Gaza’s Hamas-controlled Health Ministry, which throughout the war has released distorted and exaggerated casualty figures that many international media outlets, UN agencies, and foreign governments have treated as factual.

Last month, Connolly also appeared to equate Israel with the terrorist organization Hamas, which openly calls for Israel’s destruction and the murder of all Jews.

"Both sides have committed war crimes," she stated. While arguing that she “utterly condemned” Hamas “over and over” for the Oct. 7 massacre, she also accused Israel of acting like a “terrorist state” regarding its conduct in Gaza.

Following her election victory, Connolly vowed to be a president who listens to the people.

"I will be a president who listens, who reflects, and who speaks when it's necessary. Together we can shape a new republic that values everybody," she stated at Dublin Castle.

Ireland has consistently ranked among the most anti-Israel countries in both the European Union and the broader Western world.

During a Holocaust Remembrance ceremony in January, then-Irish President Michael Higgins caused controversy by attacking the Jewish state and equating Israel’s self-defense actions with the Hamas Oct. 7 atrocities against Israeli civilians.

“The grief caused to families by the horrific acts of October 7, and the response to them, is unimaginable. The loss of civilian lives, the displacement of people, the destruction of homes and institutions – all are beyond comprehension," Higgins stated.

Maurice Cohen, chairman of the Irish Jewish Council of Representatives, previously warned that Higgins' attendance at the ceremony may be offensive.

"This solemn occasion requires respect, sensitivity, and a commitment to honoring the memory of the victims. His participation may offend many in the audience, both Jewish and non-Jewish, who expect dignity and unity on such an important day," Cohen said.

In August, Higgins called for UN military intervention in Gaza.

“If a certain proportion of the committee of the General Assembly supported, even if the Security Council uses the veto to block it, the secretary general can call for a force to be put together to guarantee humanitarian access," Higgins said at the time.

In May 2024, Ireland joined Spain and Norway in unilaterally recognizing a “Palestinian state.” Israel strongly condemned the diplomatic move as a reward for Hamas.

The hostilities towards Israel extend beyond Irish politics. Hatred against Jews in Irish society has reached “medieval” levels, according to an academic study published in April.