Why Is Ireland’s Catherine Connolly Inspirational for British republic supporters?

Catherine Connolly impressing school children with her football skills.

Ireland’s new ceremonial president was born into a humble family. Her path to serving her country at the highest level is an inspiration for the republic movement in Britain.

1. Strong Anti-Establishment Credentials

-Connolly ran as an independent, not as part of one of the big establishment parties.

-Her campaign has been framed not just as a run for office but as a movement for a “new republic.”

-She emphasises empowering ordinary people: when she announced her bid, she said she wants to “empower people to find their own voices.”

2. Social Justice Values

-She describes herself as a socialist and pacifist.

-Her domestic policy priorities include economic justice, affordable housing, disability rights, and giving a voice to marginalised groups.

-She wants a kind of republic that centers equality, diversity, and solidarity, not just traditional nationalism.

3. Cultural and National Identity

-She is a fluent Irish speaker and has used the Irish language as a way to connect with her cultural roots and identity.

-She has expressed a commitment to Irish reunification.

4. Authenticity and Relatability

-Her background is relatively humble: she grew up in a working-class family, lived in a council house, and has spoken about how that shaped her worldview.

-Her campaign made effective use of grassroots organising and modern digital media — she connected with people via social media, podcasts, and cultural events.

5. Symbolic Power

-Even though the Irish presidency is largely ceremonial, her victory is symbolic: it signals a shift away from the traditional centre-right establishment.

-She talks about being a “voice for peace” for climate action, for social justice, and for a more inclusive republic.

-For republicans who prioritise not just the political end of a republic but the values that come with it (egalitarianism, anti-imperialism, social cohesion), she represents a powerful emblem of what that republic could mean.

6. International Solidarity
Connolly is very vocal on international causes: she has strongly supported Palestinian rights and criticised Israel.

Why That Resonates with British Republicans

Shared Anti-Establishment Sentiment:

Many British republicans are skeptical of traditional power structures (monarchy, neoliberal establishment). Connolly’s campaign as an independent “movement” rather than a party machine is attractive as a model of grassroots change.

Anti-Imperialism and Post-Colonial Critique:

The UK has a deeply imperial history. Connolly’s critique of militarism, her solidarity with colonised peoples, and her anti-war stance can resonate with British republicans who frame the monarchy as part of that imperial legacy.

Reunification and National Identity:

While Irish reunification is specifically Irish, the broader idea of national self-determination — that people should govern themselves, not be ruled by inherited power — is compelling to republican activists in Britain.

Cultural Revival and Decolonial Values:

Her emphasis on the Irish language and cultural identity ties into a decolonial narrative. British republicans may see parallels in wanting to dismantle traditional (and symbolic) hierarchies, whether cultural or political.

International Solidarity:

Her strong stance on Palestine and critiques of Western military policy speak to a global, progressive republicanism that overlaps with anti-establishment and anti-war activism in the UK.

Catherine Connolly is inspirational to many left-wing and republican-minded people because she combines progressive values, cultural authenticity, and grassroots movement-building.

For British republicans who are less focused on just removing the monarchy and more interested in building a fairer, more democratic society, she represents a model of how a republic could be more than just a political structure — it could be a set of values.

Feeling inspired? Email us at contact@greens-for-a-republic.org.uk or the Policy Development Committee at policy@greenparty.org.uk

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