Ireland votes for next president; frontrunner said Hamas ‘part of the fabric of the Palestinian people’

Voters in Ireland head to the polls today 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 percent of support from voters, ahead of the 20% to 25% for her rival Heather Humphreys, representing the center-right party Fine Gael.

The winner will succeed Michael D. Higgins, who has been president since 2011, having served the maximum two seven-year terms. While the role does not have the power to shape laws or policies, past presidents have been known to air their views on important issues.

Connolly, 68, has been an independent lawmaker since 2016. She has drawn criticism for her views on Palestinians and the Hamas terror group, among other issues.

In September, Ireland’s Prime Minister Micheál Martin criticized Connolly’s comments that called Hamas “part of the fabric of the Palestinian people,” saying she appeared reluctant to condemn the terror group’s Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel that ignited the two-year Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

She later maintained that she “utterly condemned” Hamas’ actions, while also criticizing Israel for carrying out what she said was a “genocide” in Gaza. Israel adamantly rejects the genocide accusation.

Humphreys, 64, has been in government for more than a decade, formerly serving in several Cabinet positions where she oversaw arts and heritage, business and rural development.

Despite receiving endorsements from Martin and three former deputy premiers, Humphreys is widely expected to lose to Connolly.

Polls close at 10 p.m. Friday. Counting begins Saturday, and the result is likely to be known by late Saturday.