The Irish presidency is a largely ceremonial role. On paper, the president is the head of state and the supreme commander of the Irish Defence Forces; the leader formally appoints the government, judges, and the attorney general and signs bills into law. Presidents have no role in selecting those appointments and cannot veto a bill, but they may refer a bill to the Supreme Court if there is concern over its constitutionality (after consulting an advisory body known as the Council of State).

In late October, Ireland elected Catherine Connolly as its 10th president to serve a seven-year term beginning on Nov. 11. Connolly, 68, is an independent, left-wing politician—and a former psychologist and barrister who professes to not like politics. Until 2024, she served as the deputy chair of the Dail Eireann, Ireland’s lower house of parliament. Her victory was emphatic: She secured 63.4 percent of the total vote.

In late October, Ireland elected Catherine Connolly as its 10th president to serve a seven-year term beginning on Nov. 11. Connolly, 68, is an independent, left-wing politician—and a former psychologist and barrister who professes to not like politics. Until 2024, she served as the deputy chair of the Dail Eireann, Ireland’s lower house of parliament. Her victory was emphatic: She secured 63.4 percent of the total vote.

The Irish presidency is a largely ceremonial role. On paper, the president is the head of state and the supreme commander of the Irish Defence Forces; the leader formally appoints the government, judges, and the attorney general and signs bills into law. Presidents have no role in selecting those appointments and cannot veto a bill, but they may refer a bill to