CATHERINE CONNOLLY HAS vowed to “put hope into people again” as she looks on course to win the presidential election. 

Early tallies indicate that the Independent candidate is set for a landslide victory over her Fine Gael rival Heather Humphreys, though an official count is not expected until later this afternoon. 

Speaking to reporters in her Galway West constituency as Gaeilge this morning, she said she is “absolutely delighted” with the result so far. 

“We came together on behalf of a new vision for the country, and we should be proud to represent the public on this, when it comes to housing and peace,” she said.

“And what I’ve learned, people are looking for hope from me. And I will put hope into people again and I have to say to them, the office is for you.

I am only a symbol of the new movement. I am incredibly hopeful that this movement will continue, and I have no doubt about that. 

She thanked her supporters, as well as “those that didn’t vote for me”. 

“I understand their concerns in relation to who will represent them best, and I will do my utmost to represent everyone,” she added. 

Tallies suggest Catherine Connolly is on course to become the tenth President of Ireland.
Arriving at the Galway West count centre, Ms Connolly said she was “absolutely delighted” and thanked “everybody”, including those who did not vote for her.#presidentialelection #ireland… pic.twitter.com/FZBOtxcm4c

— RTÉ News (@rtenews) October 25, 2025

Counting is well underway across all 43 constituencies this morning, with Connolly the clear frontrunner at this early stage. 

There have also been a significant number of spoiled votes, with some with written messages reading “no democracy”, “EU puppets” and “no from me”.

The final result will be officially declared by presidential returning officer Barry Ryan once all 43 constituencies have completed counting.