Ireland Elects Left-Leaning Candidate as President as Rival Concedes

Catherine Connolly after casting her vote.

Photographer: Brian Lawless/PA Images

Left-leaning independent Catherine Connolly won Ireland’s presidential election after receiving 63% of the vote.

Her only opponent, Heather Humphreys, a centrist former government minister, earlier conceded. The 68-year-old former lawyer will replace incumbent Michael D. Higgins in the mostly ceremonial role.