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Having secured 63% of first-preference votes, Connolly pledged to be “a president for all.” This remarkable result shook the political establishment and will make her the 10th president of the republic.

Speaking at Dublin Castle on Saturday night after being declared the winner, she said: “I will be the voice of peace, a voice that strengthens our policy of neutrality and speaks about the existential threat posed by climate change.”

The 68-year-old former lawyer promised to defend the rights of those without a voice. Speaking in both Irish and English, Connolly said: “Our people and our democracy need constructive questioning. Together, we can build a new republic that values everyone, embraces diversity, and strengthens confidence in our identity.”

Although the presidency in Ireland is largely a ceremonial office, Connolly’s victory represented a sharp rebuke to the center-right government.