Trending 7th October 2025 by Emily Molloy

EYNTK Ahead Of The Presidential Election This Month

It's almost time to head to the polls

As the Irish presidential election edges closer, it’s only two weeks till voters go to the polls. After Jim Gavin’s shocking announcement that he will be removing himself from the race, all eyes are on the remaining two candidates Heather Humpherys and Catherine Connolly to see who will take up the residence in the Áras an Uachtaráin for the next seven years.

The campaign trail has already seen heated debates, passionate speeches, and plenty public discussion – but what do these two candidates stand for and what they are hoping to bring to the next presidency?

Catherine Connolly

Catherine Connolly was one of the first candidates to put her name for the upcoming election. A Galway native, Catherine received her degree in clinic psychology from the University of Leeds back in 1981, before returning to the University of Galway in 1989 to study law.

Her political career started ten years later in 1999, when she was elected to the Galway City Council by the Labour Party. In 2005 she became major of Galway, before leaving her position in the Labour Party, to run as an independent candidate for the general election. In 2016, Catherine was elected to government as a Galway west independent TD, where she advocated strongly for the Irish language and creating a united Ireland.

She was a part of the public accounts committee where she still serves today, before being elected as Leas Cheann Comharlaire in 2020, reflecting a historic time as she became the first women to hold the position.

Catherine launched her campaign back in July after receiving numerous backings from her colleagues. It was then she launched her manifesto on what she would bring to this election. As president, Connolly vows to be voice of empowerment to those who are often silenced by society and government. She would like her role as president to been seen as a voice for people and allow them to speak up on issues that affect their everyday life. She would also use her term to help solve social justice and equality issues like homelessness, economic inequality and ensure that there is fairness for vulnerable groups.

As her time in the Dáil has shown, she is a huge advocate for the Irish language and Irish unity, stating in her manifesto that she hopes to create a united Ireland in a process that recognises consent and representation for Northern Ireland.

Catherine has also been very vocal on her support of peace across Ireland and internationally, with hopes that her time in the Áras can bring a stop to violence and war across the seas, particularly in Gaza.

Heather Humphreys

From a small rural town on the Cavan/Monaghan border, Heather Humphreys, started her political career back when she was elected as a councillor and mayor of Monaghan before being elected to the Dáil in 2011 with the Fine Gael Party. This all happened after the late TD, Seymour Crawford, was looking for someone to fill his space. During this time, Heather was working in her local credit union and decided to take the role after seeing the impact communities have, and some of the struggles they face.

It wasn’t until 2014 when Heather was appointed a cabinet minister and she has since been a minister in many different sectors across the years, including the Department of Regional Development, Rural Affairs, Arts and the Gaeltacht, and the Department of Social Protection.

Humphreys was put forward for this election by her own party Fine Gael. Shortly after her nomination she published her manifesto outlining what her values and goals will be as president. In this manifesto she highlights that community is her number one priority. From working in her local credit union, she understands the importance of local, and the unsung heroes that help keep communities alive. She would like her term as president to honour those working with tidy town, the GAA and other community-based projects and bring the Áras to the people.

Alongside this, she is committed to bringing unity to Ireland, by breaking down barriers between groups. She promises to listen to the concerns of the people, and help them resolve issues, to ensure Ireland can be a united nation.

This promise goes hand in hand with her final commitment to ensure that there are equal opportunities for all citizens of Ireland. Heather believes that with the right systems and support in place, that there are no limits to what anyone can achieve. After she launched the hot school dinners programme last year, she wants her presidential terms to continue to make these changes and provide those in need with tools for success.

Up for debate

Of course, no election is complete without a bit of drama – and last week’s debate on RTE definitely delivered with strong questions asked. Both candidates took to the stage to share their visions for Ireland’s future, but it was their contrasting styles and standout moments that had viewers talking long after the debate had ended.

When asked what both candidates would bring to this seven-year position, Connolly said she would serve the country with dignity and respect, while Humphreys reassured the public that her heart was fully in this role after questions were raised regarding her dedication to her campaign.

The question that followed was in relation to creating a united Ireland, in which Humphreys replied that as an Ulster native like former president Mary McAleese, she would continue her legacy by building bridges between the north and south, with visits across the border to unity the nations. Connolly answered the question saying that Ireland would be united and that she will advocate for the nation to be in unity all while respecting both communities.

@rtenews Independent Presidential candidate Catherine Connolly defends her attempt to hire a woman with a criminal conviction. Speaking on The Week in Politics Presidential debate, the Independent candidate said she was not misled on the person’s background. #irishpresidentialelection2025 #catherineconnolly #twip #rtenews ♬ original sound – RTÉ News

Other questions were posed to the candidates regarding past decisions they made while in Government. Connolly was asked about her decision in employing an ex-convict and former member of Éirigi. Her reply was very strong, stating that there was a complete breach of confidentiality for the woman, and that she stands firm in her choice, saying the woman was a model for how the prison system can reform people, and saw this opportunity as a chance to give the woman a second chance.

Humphreys was then given the chance to discuss recent accusations that she voted against the drink driving legislation. She assured voters that on two occasions she did in fact vote for the legislation, and that any information regarding her no vote was confidential within her own party. She continued to push the message that she does not condone drink driving and stands with her past votes to keep this legislation in place.

@rtenews Irish Presidential candidate Heather Humphreys says she did not oppose drinking driving legislation. Speaking on The Week in Politics Presidential debate, the Fine Gael candidate said she voted for it ‘not once, but twice’. #irishpresidentialelection2025 #heatherhumphreys #rtenews #twip ♬ original sound – RTÉ News

As the opinion polls from October 24th roll in, it stands that Catherine Connolly is on 32%, while votes for Heather Humphreys are at 23%. This race to the Áras will be a close call with 31% of the public undecided.

Whoever you decide to vote for on October 24th, it is crucial that you register to vote and exercise your right. This election is incredibly important for the further of Ireland, so make sure you get all the information, and get out and vote!