By Dayo Ade Olusola |M10News Political Desk | Dublin | October 25, 2025
Taoiseach Micheál Martin will now attend the formal announcement of Catherine Connolly’s presidential victory at Dublin Castle, in a move that marks a clear reversal from earlier statements that he would not be present at the count centre.
The decision comes amid mounting discontent within Fianna Fáil over the party leader’s handling of the election campaign — including the controversial selection of Jim Gavin as candidate and Mr Martin’s endorsement of Fine Gael’s Heather Humphreys.
Connolly on Course for Commanding Victory
Independent TD Catherine Connolly is projected to win the presidency by a wide margin. After 706,000 tallied votes, Connolly is polling at 64%, followed by Humphreys on 29%, and Gavin on 7%, despite the latter withdrawing from the race three weeks before election day.
Humphreys conceded defeat at lunchtime on Saturday, congratulating Connolly on her victory. A notably high proportion of spoiled ballots — estimated at around 13% — has emerged as a defining feature of the contest.
In a statement, Mr Martin congratulated Connolly on what he described as “a very comprehensive election victory.” He praised her campaign as “successful and impactful,” saying she had earned “a clear mandate to represent the people of Ireland as Uachtarán na hÉireann over the next seven years.”
“The people have made their choice,” the Taoiseach added. “I have no doubt Catherine Connolly will serve the country well.”
Mr Martin said he looked forward to working with the new president “as Ireland continues to play a significant role on the global stage,” noting the country’s preparations to host the EU Presidency in 2026.
Party Discontent and Calls for Accountability
However, within Fianna Fáil, frustration is growing. Several party members have voiced anger at the leadership’s strategy and communication during the campaign.
Cork North-Central TD Padraig O’Sullivan said both the Taoiseach and Tánaiste should personally attend Dublin Castle to congratulate Connolly.
“You have to take the losses with the victories,” he told M10News, adding that the government must draw “major learnings” from an election in which more than half of the electorate did not vote and a record number spoiled their ballots.
“The leadership of both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael need to be humble and understand why this happened,” O’Sullivan said. “It can’t be the same old politics.”
He acknowledged that many Fianna Fáil voters were reluctant to support Humphreys, saying: “A lot of our base just didn’t turn out.”
‘The Most Embarrassing Election Since 2011’
Privately, party sources described the result as “the most embarrassing election for Fianna Fáil since 2011.” Several members accused Mr Martin of poor judgment in candidate selection and campaign oversight.
“He might want to disassociate himself from the shambles, but he can’t,” said one TD. “You can’t just say sorry for a €500,000 mistake.”
Another Fianna Fáil member called the campaign “an absolute disaster,” expressing scepticism that the ongoing internal review would produce meaningful change.
Calls for Renewal and Reflection
Galway West TD John Connolly said the priority now must be restoring confidence in the government and rebuilding trust with voters. “It’s the primary way to rebuild reputation and trust in the electorate,” he said.
Other members warned that ignoring the lessons of this election could deepen voter disillusionment. “People just can’t afford to have their heads buried in the sand anymore,” one TD said.
Historical Context
Traditionally, the Taoiseach attends the declaration of the presidential result at Dublin Castle, a custom observed by both Leo Varadkar in 2018 and Enda Kenny in 2011 during Michael D. Higgins’ elections. Mr Martin’s reversal on Saturday appears to restore that precedent, though it follows days of internal unease and mounting criticism from within his own ranks.
M10News Analysis
Catherine Connolly’s expected landslide represents a milestone for independent politics in Ireland, but it has also triggered a reckoning for Fianna Fáil.
The party’s internal divisions, poor turnout, and voter apathy point to deeper issues of identity and connection with the electorate.
As the new president prepares to take office, questions remain over whether Ireland’s traditional parties can adapt to shifting voter expectations and whether Fianna Fáil’s leadership can withstand the political fallout of this campaign.
Editing by M10News Politics Desk | Contact: politics@m10news.com
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