The left candidate Catherine Connolly has been elected President of Ireland on the first round of voting. She had the backing of the Social Democratic Party, the Labour Party, Sinn Fein, People Before Profit and amongst musicians Christy Moore and the Mary Wallopers
The turn out at 46% was low and there were a large number of spoiled ballots, but the result is a reflection of the inability of the right to field a credible candidate.
The role of President is largely ceremonial but has gained a significantly higher profile in the last 25 years.
Connolly’s election is however a reflection of a left and radical mood perhaps particularly amongst younger voters and a striking change from the great moving right show in many other European countries
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