Connolly, a former barrister who has served as a lawmaker since 2016, has been outspoken in criticizing Israel over the war in Gaza.

Ireland’s president for the next seven years is an independent lawmaker who has long spoken in support of Palestinians and has been vocal about her distrust of European Union policies.

Prime Minister Micheál Martin on Saturday congratulated Connolly on her “very comprehensive election victory," adding “it is clear she will be the next president of Ireland."