Catherine Connolly: Ireland’s New President and Her Record on LGBTQ+ Rights

Ireland has ushered in a new chapter with the election of Catherine Connolly as its 10th president, following a historic landslide victory that saw her secure 63% of first-preference votes, far outpacing her nearest rival, Heather Humphreys of Fine Gael . The result, announced at Dublin Castle, marks a milestone for Irish progressives, as Connolly, an independent left-winger and former clinical psychologist from Galway, becomes only the third woman to hold the office .

Her campaign was rooted in themes of inclusivity, peace, and social justice—values that resonated across the electorate and especially among LGBTQ+ communities . In her first address, Connolly emphasized her intention to serve as “an inclusive president for all,” pledging to champion the voices of marginalized groups and foster a republic that “values and champions diversity” .

Connolly’s public support for LGBTQ+ rights is both longstanding and multi-faceted. She was a strong advocate for Ireland’s 2015 Marriage Equality referendum, campaigning actively for its passage in her home constituency of Galway . Her commitment did not end with marriage equality; Connolly has been an active supporter of the Gender Recognition Act, which enshrined the right for transgender people in Ireland to self-determine their gender legally since 2015 .

During her tenure as a Teachta Dála (TD) and as Deputy Speaker of the Dáil, Connolly’s legislative record and parliamentary speeches consistently reflected her view that equality, dignity, and bodily autonomy are non-negotiable rights for all, including LGBTQ+ people .

On her campaign website, Connolly affirmed: “I campaigned for marriage equality in Galway and have spoken out in Dáil for LGBTQ+ rights abroad and at home, including in support of the Gender Recognition Act and against conversion therapy. Inciting fear and hatred towards the LGBTQIA community is abhorrent” .

Although the Irish presidency is largely ceremonial, the role carries significant symbolic and moral authority as the only national office directly elected by the people . Connolly’s visibility as an LGBTQ+ ally has set a new tone for the office—one rooted in advocacy, representation, and solidarity.

Connolly has pledged to support legislative efforts to ban conversion therapy in Ireland, a practice widely condemned by global health and human rights organizations . While previous governments faced legal and political hurdles in enacting such a ban, Connolly has made clear her intention to use her platform to ensure protections for LGBTQ+ individuals against harmful practices .

During a recent radio interview, Connolly defended the right to legal gender recognition, stating, “It’s law that someone can decide to change their gender and register accordingly, over 18 years of age,” and reaffirmed her understanding of the challenges faced by transgender people, drawing on her background as a clinical psychologist .

The response from Ireland’s LGBTQ+ organizations and advocacy groups has been overwhelmingly positive. Many have pointed to Connolly’s election as a sign of Ireland’s continued commitment to equality and social justice . Her presidency is seen as providing not just representation but moral leadership in times of rising anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric globally.

Connolly’s willingness to speak out on international human rights issues, including her condemnation of violence in Gaza, has also won her respect among intersectional activists who view LGBTQ+ rights as inseparable from broader struggles for dignity and equality . Her stance reinforces the notion that LGBTQ+ rights are human rights—a principle increasingly at the heart of Ireland’s evolving national identity.

Her campaign, backed by a coalition of left-leaning parties including Sinn Féin, Labour, and the Social Democrats, was celebrated for its grassroots momentum and its unapologetic support for marginalized groups .

While Connolly’s power to enact policy is limited, her presidency is expected to bring renewed energy to ongoing advocacy efforts. LGBTQ+ activists are hopeful that her public support will accelerate stalled initiatives, such as the long-promised ban on conversion therapy and comprehensive reforms to improve trans healthcare and legal recognition .

In her own words, Connolly concluded her inaugural address by inviting all Irish people to join in shaping “a new republic that values everybody, that values and champions diversity, and that takes confidence in our own identity” .

Her presidency, many believe, will help maintain the momentum for LGBTQ+ equality, ensuring that the struggle for inclusion and dignity remains at the forefront of Ireland’s national consciousness.