Voters in Ireland are going to the polls to elect one of two women as their new president
Voters in Ireland are going to the polls Friday to elect one of two women as their new president for the next seven years, a largely ceremonial role in the European Union member country.
Catherine Connolly, a left-wing independent lawmaker who has the backing of Sinn Féin and is known for her strong stance against Israel, is widely seen as the leading candidate to become the head of state. The latest polls show she holds a significant lead with about 40% of support from voters, ahead of the 20% to 25% for her rival Heather Humphreys, representing center-right party Fine Gael.
The two are the only contenders after others — including musician Bob Geldof and the former mixed martial arts champion Conor McGregor — failed to receive enough backing for a nomination.
The winner will succeed Michael D. Higgins, who has been president since 2011, having served the maximum two seven-year terms.
Connolly and Humphreys faced off against each other as they made their final pitch to voters on Tuesday in a presidential TV debate.
Here’s what to know about the election:
Connolly, 68, is a former barrister who has been an independent lawmaker since 2016. She has drawn criticism for her views on Palestinians and the militant Hamas group, among other issues.
She was previously seen as an unlikely presidential candidate, but became a front-runner after a third candidate, Jim Gavin of the party Fianna Fail, dropped out of the race in early October after details of a financial scandal emerged.
