Catherine Connolly says she is "absolutely delighted" with early tallies showing her commanding lead in Ireland's presidential election. The left-wing independent candidate thanked all supporters and acknowledged those who did not vote for her, saying she understands their concerns about representation.
Initial results from Adamstown count centre in the Dublin Mid-West constituency gave Connolly 73 per cent of the valid poll, with a turnout of 43 per cent. The electorate chose between Connolly, former cabinet minister Heather Humphreys and ex-Dublin football manager Jim Gavin, who withdrew from campaigning three weeks ago but remains on the ballot.
Protest votes emerge across constituencies
A significant number of spoiled votes appeared as ballot boxes opened, with numbers in Adamstown matching the combined vote for Humphreys and Gavin. Messages on spoiled ballots included "no democracy", "EU puppets" and references to Maria Steen, who failed to secure enough nominations to become a candidate.
Some spoiled votes referenced an alleged sexual assault on a 10-year-old girl that sparked anti-immigration demonstrations in west Dublin this week. Labour Party leader Ivana Bacik described the "level of vitriol directed at people of all political persuasions" as "really alarming" and called the anti-democratic sentiment a serious threat.
Left-wing unity emerges from election
Bacik praised Connolly for uniting parties "with an alternative vision" and suggested left-wing parties could "combine together" to offer a real alternative in the next general election. She credited Connolly's team with leading "from the front right from the start" and galvanising energy throughout the campaign.
Voting slips are being counted by hand at more than 30 count centres representing 43 electoral constituencies across the country. Ireland uses a system of transferable votes, but with only three candidates on the ballot, there can be a maximum of two counts.
Complex counting process continues
The final result will be officially declared by presidential returning officer Barry Ryan once all 43 constituencies complete counting. Several opinion polls in recent weeks put Connolly ahead of Humphreys by some margin.
Connolly cast her vote at a primary school in Claddagh, Co Galway, after going for a morning swim. She examined students' essays about the presidency and assisted her elderly aunt in a wheelchair into the polling station before cycling home.
Gavin withdrawal impacts race dynamics
Gavin's withdrawal from campaigning followed a 16-year-old dispute with former tenant Niall Donald, deputy editor of the Sunday World, over 3,300 euro in allegedly overpaid rent. The ex-army pilot and former Dublin GAA manager said he made a mistake "not in keeping with my character" and repaid the money.
The move created serious implications for Fianna Fáil, which selected him as their candidate, and Taoiseach Micheál Martin, who championed Gavin. His late withdrawal meant insufficient time to legally remove his name from ballot papers, meaning he could still be elected if he receives the most votes.
Presidential role carries constitutional duties
The winner will replace Michael D Higgins, who has served the maximum two terms as president. The largely ceremonial role involves hosting heads of state at Áras an Uachtarain in Phoenix Park and considering whether parliamentary legislation complies with the constitution.
In recent years, the Irish presidency has become more political, with Higgins calling Ireland's housing crisis "our great, great failure" and stating the Irish state must "urgently meet the needs of" mother and baby home survivors.
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
