Catherine Connolly has a change mandate that may put her at odds with Ireland's own government—and its allies in Europe and America.

Voters in Ireland went to the polls Friday to elect one of two women as their new president for the next seven years.

Catherine Connolly won the most votes of any candidate in the history of the Republic, but the election was marked by low turnout and a campaign to spoil votes, raising questions about whether Ireland is as stable a democracy as most presume.

Both Catherine Connolly – who will be inaugurated as president tomorrow – and Heather Humphreys expressed a strong commitment to Irish unity. But perhaps the most startling and depressing feature of the debate were the sectarian comments directed at Heather Humphreys.

Left-wing independent Catherine Connolly arrived at Dublin Castle Saturday evening to greet supporters after her rival conceded defeat in a presidential election. Catherine Connolly smiles to supporters after being elected as the new President of Ireland ...