Unionist leaders in Northern Ireland have slammed the election of new Irish President Catherine Connolly, suggesting it showed the “ugly undercurrent of intolerance.”
President-elect Connolly, an independent candidate, built momentum as the campaign progressed, enthused younger voters and was elected with 63.4 per cent of the vote.
The other candidate seeking election, ex-cabinet minister Heather Humphreys, won 29.5 per cent.
While Ireland’s president is largely a figurehead, with rarely-used powers to test the constitutionality of legislation, unionist leaders suggested her election had set back any campaign for Irish unity.
TUV leader Jim Allister said: “Far from advancing their cause, the nature of this election has set back the so-called agreed Ireland project.
“The treatment of Fine Gael’s Heather Humphreys, targeted and abused because of her Protestant background, exposed the ugly undercurrent of intolerance that still runs through southern politics.
“If this is what ‘inclusivity’ looks like, it will repel rather than attract.”
Ulster Unionist leader Mike Nesbitt congratulated Ms Connolly but also raised concerns over some comments towards Humphreys’ Protestant background during the campaign.
TUV leader Jim Allister slammed the results
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Irish president-elect Catherine Connolly won in a landslide
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GETTYMr Nesbitt said: “As Democrats, we accept the will of the people of the Republic of Ireland in electing Catherine Connolly as their 10th President, or Uachtarán na hÉireann, and congratulate her on her election.
“I look forward to seeing her demonstrate full respect for the 1998 Belfast Agreement and the principle of consent that underpins it.
“She will be aware of the concerns of the Protestant, Unionist and Loyalist communities here in Northern Ireland, and those within her own jurisdiction concerning her political and geopolitical views, not least regarding the future constitutional status of Northern Ireland.
“It would also be remiss not to deplore the reaction of many to Heather Humphreys’ background as a Protestant…Even the response to her tangential association with the Orange Order stands in contrast to the acceptance of elected representatives from other traditions in the Northern Ireland Assembly.
“Unionism will see challenges ahead with this result, but the Ulster Unionist Party will do what it always does and face those challenges in good faith, with the prosperity of all our people in mind.”
First Minister of Northern Ireland Michelle O’Neill welcomed the result
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Meanwhile, First Minister Michelle O’Neill took to social media to congratulate the incoming President.
The Sinn Féin Vice President said: “Today marks an era of hope.
“In Catherine Connolly, we have a President of Ireland with vision, compassion, and integrity. Catherine will be a President for the people, a passionate voice for every community across Ireland.
“This election has shown what can be achieved when parties committed to change and progress work together in common purpose. That is the clear pathway to a better, united future. I look forward to working with Catherine in the time ahead, for all the people of our island.”
SDLP leader Claire Hanna expressed hope the voting franchise will be extended to Irish citizens in NI for the next presidential election.
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SDLP leader Claire Hanna said: “I offer our sincere congratulations to Catherine Connolly on her election as President of Ireland.
“We also extend best wishes to Heather Humphreys and commend her commitment to reconciliation and to focused dialogue about the future of this island.
“The President of Ireland is far more than a symbolic figure.
“As well as representing this island on the world stage, past presidents have played a powerful healing role, reaching out to communities across the North and acting as a force for reconciliation and progress.”
President-elect Connolly will be the country’s 10th president, taking over from Michael D Higgins who has served the maximum two terms in office
She said: “I will be a president who listens and reflects and who speaks when it’s necessary.
“I will be a voice for peace, a voice that builds on our policy of neutrality, a voice that articulates the existential threat posed by climate change, and a voice that recognises the tremendous work being done the length and breadth of the country.”
