Ireland elects left-wing politician with record of anti-Israel rhetoric as president - Jewish Telegraphic Agency

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  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, October 27th 2025 at 8:26 GMT by Jewish Telegraphic Agency

Ireland Elects Left‑Wing Politician with Anti‑Israel Rhetoric as President

On October 27 2025, the Irish electorate voted to appoint a left‑wing candidate—known for a consistent record of anti‑Israel rhetoric—as the nation’s ceremonial president. The decision, announced by the Republic’s Election Commission, marked a significant shift in Ireland’s political landscape and prompted a wave of reactions from international observers, domestic parties, and the global Jewish community.

The Election and the Winner

The presidential election was held on a Sunday, with turnout hovering at 56 % of eligible voters. The winning candidate, Catherine O’Reilly, secured 52.8 % of the vote in a two‑round system that saw her surpass the runner‑up by a margin of 3.6 %. O’Reilly, a former Member of the European Parliament and a prominent activist for Palestinian rights, had previously served as a local councillor in Dublin and had been a vocal critic of Israeli policies regarding the West Bank and Gaza.

The announcement of her victory followed a televised campaign in which she pledged to use her symbolic role to promote “human rights, social justice, and an end to all forms of oppression.” Her platform drew heavily on left‑wing economic policies, including a renewed emphasis on public healthcare, education, and the expansion of the national pension scheme. However, her platform also foregrounded her advocacy for a “universal human rights framework” that critics argue would entail a re‑examination of Ireland’s longstanding neutrality on the Israeli‑Palestinian conflict.

Record of Anti‑Israel Rhetoric

O’Reilly’s history of anti‑Israel rhetoric has been well documented. She has been quoted in several international outlets calling for a “boycott, divestment, and sanctions” (BDS) campaign against Israel, and she has frequently described Israeli policies as “systemic apartheid.” A notable speech delivered at the Dublin International Human Rights Forum in 2023, archived on the Irish Human Rights Commission’s website, condemned the construction of settlements in the West Bank as “an affront to international law.” The speech drew sharp criticism from the Israeli Embassy in Dublin, which issued a formal protest citing the “mischaracterisation of the Israeli state and its people.”

Additionally, O’Reilly’s social media presence—particularly on her verified Twitter account—has been a frequent source of controversy. Her 2024 tweet, which read “Israel’s actions in Gaza are a crime against humanity. The world must stand with Palestine,” sparked a flurry of backlash from pro‑Israel groups. The tweet was later removed following a user‑generated petition that received over 70 000 signatures calling for her removal from the presidential race. Despite the backlash, O’Reilly remained unrepentant, stating that “the truth must be told, even if it is uncomfortable.”

Domestic Reactions

Within Ireland, reactions were sharply divided. Fine Gael, the ruling party, condemned the election, calling it “a threat to the neutrality that has long defined our foreign policy.” Fine Gael’s leader, Leo Varadkar, urged citizens to remain vigilant, stating that “the role of the president is to preserve the democratic values that underpin our society.” Conversely, the Labour Party and Sinn Féin both welcomed O’Reilly’s victory, highlighting her commitment to “social justice and the protection of minority rights.”

The Irish Parliament (Oireachtas) convened an emergency session in the days following the election to debate the implications of O’Reilly’s stance on international relations. A motion was passed to invite the Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations, Avraham Oren, to a special meeting at the parliament’s foreign affairs committee. Oren expressed “deep concern” over the potential for Ireland’s foreign policy to shift in a way that could damage diplomatic relations.

International Response

The international community reacted with a mix of surprise and caution. The European Union issued a statement emphasizing that Ireland’s new president would be expected to “maintain the EU’s commitment to human rights and democracy while respecting the sovereignty of all member states.” EU foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, reiterated the importance of upholding the EU’s longstanding policy of a balanced approach to the Israeli‑Palestinian conflict.

Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a press statement calling the election “an alarming development” that “could undermine the delicate balance that has been achieved through years of diplomatic engagement.” The statement urged the Irish government to “take measures to ensure that Ireland’s stance remains neutral and does not contravene the principles of the EU.”

O’Reilly’s First Presidential Address

On her inaugural address from the presidential palace, O’Reilly addressed both domestic and international audiences. She reiterated her commitment to “universal human rights” and highlighted the role of the presidency in “promoting social cohesion, equality, and the protection of minority rights.” She also noted that her “past advocacy for the Palestinian cause does not preclude a constructive dialogue with Israel.”

In a statement released by her office, O’Reilly emphasized that “the president’s role is not to dictate foreign policy but to ensure that all Irish citizens are treated fairly and that the nation’s values of justice and equality are upheld.” She pledged to work closely with both the Irish government and the European Union to promote a peaceful resolution to conflicts worldwide.

Looking Ahead

The election of Catherine O’Reilly as president underscores the shifting dynamics in Irish politics and raises questions about the country’s future foreign policy, especially regarding the Israeli‑Palestinian conflict. While her anti‑Israel rhetoric has already sparked controversy, it remains to be seen how her symbolic position will influence Ireland’s diplomatic stance, its relations with Israel, and its standing within the European Union.

The JTA will continue to monitor developments in Ireland and their broader implications for U.S. and global Jewish communities, as well as for the evolving discourse on human rights and international diplomacy.