Mayor of Derry extends congratulations to President elect Catherine Connolly

The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane Cllr Ruairí McHugh has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Catherine Connolly on her election as Uachtarán na hEireann - the President of Ireland.

Connolly pledged to be a president for all after being elected as Ireland’s 10th president.

The former barrister from Galway, who secured 63% of first preferences in a landslide victory, arrived with her family to Dublin Castle for the result declaration on Saturday evening.

The Irish presidential election saw Ms Connolly go head-to-head with former Fine Gael minister Heather Humphreys after ex-Dublin football manager Jim Gavin withdrew from campaigning three weeks ago.

The two-horse race was criticised as offering voters limited options; in 2018 there were six presidential candidates.

The count on Saturday has revealed a significant number of spoiled votes were cast in the election, with 213,738 invalid ballots representing a tenfold increase on the last presidential election.

Addressing the assembled crowd after being declared the winner, Ms Connolly said: “I will be a president who listens and reflects and who speaks when it’s necessary.

Cllr McHugh praised her dedication to public service and her commitment to representing the people of Ireland with humility and compassion.

Speaking today, the Mayor said: “On behalf of the people of Derry City and Strabane District Council area, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Catherine Connolly on her election success. Her remarkable success reflects her tireless commitment to the people she serves. With her warmth, humility, and integrity, she will represent Ireland exceptionally well, and we look forward to seeing her leadership inspire communities across the entire nation.”

The Mayor added that President Connolly’s election is a moment of pride for all who value inclusive leadership, civic engagement, and public service.