The 2025 Irish Presidential Election has wrapped up, leaving a trail of historic milestones, heated debates, and a seismic shift in the political landscape. From 22 September to 26 October 2025, the race generated a whopping 799,000 mentions on social media, reaching 78 million people, alongside 33,065 mentions in traditional media like digital news, TV, radio, and print. This data, from Onclusive monitoring tools, paints a picture of an election that captivated the nation—and sparked intense online buzz.
At the heart of it all was Catherine Connolly, the independent left-wing candidate who stormed to victory, becoming Ireland’s 10th president and the third woman to hold the office.
Her win on 25 October (with voting on 24 October) alone triggered 205,000 social media mentions and 62 million reach, plus 9,328 traditional media hits—making it the campaign’s absolute peak.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
Election Day: A Landslide and a Wake-Up Call
The Campaign Rollercoaster: Withdrawals, Debates, and Hot-Button Issues
Post-Election Updates: Reactions as of October 28, 2025
Social Media and Traditional Media Data Overview
Key Takeaways on Media and Social Media Topics
- Historic Shift: Connolly’s 63% win signals a growing preference for independents over traditional parties like Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.
- Voter Discontent: Record spoiled votes and low turnout highlight frustrations with the system, potentially fueling future reforms.
- Media Polarization: Social media was emotionally charged and divided, while traditional coverage was more analytical.
- Left-Wing Momentum: Support for issues like economic equality, peace, and Gaza criticism propelled Connolly’s campaign.
- Women’s Milestone: As the third female president, her victory underscores progress in gender representation.
- Ongoing Echoes: Post-election chatter as of 28 October focuses on her international stances and calls for systemic change.
Election Day: A Landslide and a Wake-Up Call
Media Mentions on Election Day. Collected by Onclusive Social
Connolly’s victory was nothing short of historic. She clinched 63% of first-preference votes, the highest ever in Irish presidential history, supported by a broad left-wing coalition including Sinn Féin and Labour. This left her center-right rival, Heather Humphreys of Fine Gael, in second place with 29.46% (424,987 votes). Fianna Fáil’s Jim Gavin trailed far behind at just 7%, prompting soul-searching within his party.
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. The election saw a low 46% voter turnout and a record 213,738 spoiled votes (13% of total), signaling deep frustration with the political establishment and the nomination process that sidelined conservative voices like Maria Steen.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the key results:
| Candidate | Party/Affiliation | First-Preference Votes | Percentage |
| Catherine Connolly | Independent (left-wing backed) | 914,143 | 63% |
| Heather Humphreys | Fine Gael | 424,987 | 29.46% |
| Jim Gavin | Fianna Fáil | 101,000 (approx.) | 7% |
Social media exploded with reactions on 25 October, focusing on Connolly’s landslide, her anti-establishment appeal, low turnout debates, and calls for a more inclusive Ireland. Users praised her as a champion for peace and working-class issues, while some criticized her “extremist” views on Gaza.
Mainstream outlets like the BBC, The Guardian, and Reuters echoed this, highlighting her record win, far-left profile (as a 68-year-old Galway barrister, pacifist, and Irish speaker), the protest votes, and her pledges for inclusivity in the largely ceremonial role.
Sentiment on social media was strikingly balanced—or polarized, depending on how you look at it:
| Sentiment | Percentage | Key Drivers |
| Positive | 34% | Celebrations of progressive win, anti-establishment vibe |
| Negative | 33% | Concerns over low turnout, ideological extremism |
| Neutral | 33% | Factual reporting and balanced takes |
This even split reflects the election’s divisive nature: a triumph for change amid widespread disengagement.
Main Topics Discussed in Social Media about Catherine Connolly’s Election on 25 October
Social media discussions, focused on the immediate reactions to the election results announced on 25 October. Key themes included celebration of her victory, her political background, and criticisms of the electoral process. Based on top and semantically relevant posts from that day:
- Landslide victory and historic significance: Many users highlighted Connolly’s overwhelming win, noting it as a record-breaking result and her status as the third female president and the 10th overall. Posts emphasized her independent status and the unity of left-wing support that made it possible.
- Left-wing and anti-establishment appeal: Discussions praised her as a champion for working-class communities, peace, and change, with users noting her rejection of smear tactics from mainstream parties and her integrity. Some labeled her an “extremist left-winger,” tying it to her views on international issues like Gaza.
- Low voter turnout and spoiled votes: A significant thread involved debates over the election’s legitimacy due to historically low participation and a high number of deliberately spoiled ballots as a protest. Users argued this reflected public dissatisfaction, though others defended the process as democratic.
- Calls for change and inclusivity: Posts expressed hope for a “new republic” with Connolly as a genuine, inclusive leader who would address inequalities and stand up for marginalized groups.
Main Topics Covered in Mainstream Media about Catherine Connolly’s Election on 25 October
Mainstream media coverage on 25 October and immediately after emphasized the election’s outcome, Connolly’s background, and broader implications. Reports from outlets like BBC, The Guardian, Reuters, and others framed it as a shift in Irish politics. Note that the election voting occurred on 24 October, with counting and results on 25 October.
- Landslide victory and record-breaking results: Articles repeatedly noted her 63% of first-preference votes—the highest in Irish presidential history—and her defeat of center-right rival Heather Humphreys, marking a rebuke to the establishment.
- Left-wing, anti-establishment profile: Coverage profiled her as a veteran independent with far-left views, supported by parties like Sinn Féin, Labour, and others, focusing on her criticism of Western militarism, advocacy for economic justice, and strong stance on Gaza (accusing the UK and US of enabling genocide). Her background as a 68-year-old former barrister from Galway, fluent in Irish, and a pacifist was also highlighted.
- Low turnout and protest votes: A major focus was the 46% voter turnout (low by Irish standards) and unprecedented 213,738 spoiled votes (13%), seen as protests against limited candidate choices and frustration with the political system.
- Pledges for inclusivity and role of the presidency: Reports covered her victory speech promising to be an “inclusive president for all,” listening and speaking when necessary, while noting the ceremonial yet increasingly visible nature of the role in representing Ireland internationally. Some discussed her views on Irish unity and EU reform
The Campaign Rollercoaster: Withdrawals, Debates, and Hot-Button Issues
Social Media mentions about Irish Presidential Election. From 22 September to 26 October. Data from Onclusive Social
The race wasn’t without drama. A major peak came on 6 October, following Jim Gavin’s abrupt withdrawal on 5 October due to a 2019 tenant dispute scandal. This generated 43,000 social mentions and 1,855 in traditional media—more than the debate itself. It turned the contest into a historic two-woman showdown between Connolly and Humphreys, amplifying protests against the “undemocratic” nomination system.
Messages regarding Jim Gavin’s withdrawal on 5 October
Key topics dominating both social and traditional media included candidate ideologies, Irish neutrality, Gaza and foreign policy, migration, housing, gender issues, and frustration with blocked conservatives.
Then there was the 21 October TV debate, sparking 41,500 social mentions and 14 million reach. Sentiment skewed positive at 43% (vs. 17% negative), largely favoring Connolly’s authentic stance on neutrality, Palestine, and social justice. Viral clips from her energized base contrasted with backlash against Humphreys over animal welfare and government ties.
Post-Election Updates: Reactions as of 28 October 2025
In the days following the 25 October results, discussions have continued to simmer, with a focus on Connolly’s outspoken views on international issues like Gaza, where she has accused the UK and US of enabling genocide.
Media coverage has emphasized her anti-establishment profile and the implications for Ireland’s foreign policy, including potential shifts toward greater neutrality and criticism of Western militarism.
On social media, reactions remain mixed: some users celebrate the “triumph for the united left,” highlighting her record-breaking vote count as a mandate for change, while others decry the low turnout, arguing it undermines her legitimacy and reflects broader disillusionment. International congratulations have poured in, including from Yemen’s leadership, underscoring her global appeal on issues like Palestine. As of 28 October, no major new controversies have emerged, but the conversation underscores a deepening divide in Irish politics, with calls for reform in the nomination process gaining traction.
Social Media and Traditional Media Data Overview
To provide a clearer snapshot of the media buzz, here’s a compiled table of key metrics from the Onclusive data, covering the overall campaign and major peaks:
| Event/Period | Social Media Mentions | Social Media Reach/Impressions | Traditional Media Mentions |
| Overall Campaign (Sep 22 – Oct 26) | 799,000 | 78 million | 33,065 |
| Election Day Peak (25-26 Oct) | 205,000 | 62 million | 9,328 |
| Jim Gavin Withdrawal Peak (6 Oct) | 43,000 | 15 million | 1,855 |
| TV Debate (21 Oct) | 41,500 | 14 million | 1,407 |
Media data from Onclusive 360. Social Media data from Onclusive Social.
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