Left-wing independent Catherine Connolly, who secured the backing of Ireland's left-leaning parties, including Sinn Féin , has won the country's presidential election in a landslide victory against her center-right rival.

Official results showed strong voter support for Connolly as president, a largely ceremonial role in Ireland. She won 63% of first-preference votes once spoiled votes were excluded, compared to 29% of her rival, Heather Humphreys, of the center-right party Fine Gael.

Connolly, 68, said Saturday evening at Dublin Castle that she would champion diversity and be a voice for peace and one that "builds on our policy of neutrality."

"I would be an inclusive president for all of you, and I regard it as an absolute honor," she said.

Humphreys conceded she had lost earlier

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