Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, Nov. 12: Tibetan leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama has extended his warm congratulations to Catherine Connolly on her election as the President of Ireland, expressing confidence that her long years of public service will guide her leadership during a time of global challenges.
“Your many years’ experience in public service will serve you well in these trying times when the world is confronting immense challenges,” His Holiness wrote in a congratulatory letter.
The Tibetan spiritual leader also commended Ireland for once again electing a woman to its highest office, noting the growing recognition of women’s leadership and compassion in public life. “In addition to your election crowning your personal achievements, I am pleased to note that your country has once more elected a woman President,” he wrote. “As you may know, there is scientific evidence that when it comes to compassion, women are more sensitive to the feelings of others. I therefore believe that if more of our leaders were women, the world would be a more understanding, peaceful place.”
Concluding his message, His Holiness expressed his best wishes for President Connolly’s success in fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the Irish people.
Catherine Connolly, a veteran politician and independent member of Dáil Éireann since 2016, previously served as Leas-Cheann Comhairle (Deputy Speaker) of the Irish Parliament. In the presidential election, Catherine Connolly secured approximately 914,143 first-preference votes, representing approximately 63.3% of the valid votes cast. Her chief opponent in the race was Heather Humphreys of the Fine Gael party, who received around 424,987 votes, roughly 29.5% of the valid vote.
Her inauguration took place on Tuesday at Dublin Castle, where she gave her first address as President. “The people have spoken and have given their President a powerful mandate to articulate their vision for a new Republic — a Republic worthy of its name, where everyone is valued and diversity is cherished, where sustainable solutions are urgently implemented and where a home is a fundamental human right,” she said in her address.
